Surge in demand for biogas units amid LPG crisis

The demand for biogas units has surged amid the LPG crisis, with households and hotels increasingly turning to the fuel as an eco-friendly alternative. This shift has led to a rise in bookings, helping reduce reliance on conventional fuels and promote sustainability, experts said.

Divya Johnson, a college lecturer, installed a biogas plant at her residence a few months ago. When the crisis hit, her family was largely unaffected. “We now depend far less on LPG, and a cylinder lasts nearly three months. The biogas plant provides a steady daily supply of gas, which has been a big help,” Ms. Johnson said.

Bookings from both entrepreneurs and households have seen a rise, said A. Sajidas, managing director of a firm that manufactures and supplies biogas units. “Biogas is a more sustainable alternative to firewood hearths. It helps manage organic waste at source while generating cooking gas. The LPG crisis made people realise the need to reduce dependence on supply and look for reliable and sustainable options like biogas,” he added.

The main challenge, however, is the lack of subsidies. “The absence of government support is a major concern. Earlier, schemes offered up to 90% subsidy, and uptake was limited without it. That changed following the LPG crisis, with more people turning to biogas units,” said Alfred Bernard, managing director of another firm. “We are now receiving orders for both new installations and revival of old units. A functioning biogas plant can cut LPG use by up to 50% each month,” he added.

The prices of biogas units vary across companies, typically ranging from ₹16,000 to ₹50,000 for households. Mr. Sajidas said the cost could be fully recovered within two to three years of use.

Ernakulam district panchayat president K.G. Radhakrishnan said subsidies are at present limited to large-capacity units installed in institutions. “There is no subsidy now for household systems. We will have to examine the possibility of introducing one under the State Plan,” he added.

Kochi Corporation secretary P.S. Shibu said biogas units are neither being provided nor subsidised at present. “We rely on a centralised waste management system, and even earlier there was limited uptake. However, we are providing bio-bins,” he added.