Maharashtra Gets India’s First Cooperative CBG Plant | 12 Tonnes Biogas Daily Production

The first move in the clean energy movement in India occurred in the opening of the first cooperative-run Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Kopargaon in Maharashtra, Ahmednagar district. The 55 crore project was inaugurated by the Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on 5 October 2025 set up by the Sahakar Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Cooperative Sugar Factory. The plant will yield 12 tonnes of CBG and 75 tonnes of potash granules per day, based on by-products of the agricultural and sugar industries, such as press mud and molasses. This innovative project advances a circular economy, farmers, and reinforces the effort of India concerning renewable energy and rural growth.

Benefits of Compressed Biogas (CBG) — Key Points

• CBG is carbon-neutral, clean and a renewable type of energy thus lessening reliance on natural gas and crude gas imported to the country.

• It assists in a control of agricultural waste thereby avoiding burning of stubble contributing to air pollution.

• By-products are organic manure and potash which increases soil fertility.

• Creating jobs and biomass creates new sources of income to farmers in the country.

• It endorses the SATAT Internet Scheme (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiated by India in 2018 on the creation of 5000 CBG plants by 2025.

• Invests in the Indian Net Zero 2070 goal and National Bioenergy Programme.

• Encourages self reliance in energy (Atmanirbhar Bharat), and enhances the circular economy model.

• Promotes involvement of the people and the business in the production of green energy.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the first cooperative-operated Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant in Kopargaon is an important development in the field of renewable energy, rural development, and sustainable agriculture. It is based on the sugar industry and agricultural by-products, which makes it a circular economy, decreases pollution, and gives farmers an additional income. In line with state programs such as the SATAT scheme and Net Zero 2070 targets of India, this project illustrates the prospects with regard to cooperative models in meeting clean energy targets alongside energy security and environmental sustainability within the country.