The Union government has launched the unified registration portal for GOBARdhan, with the aim of streamlining the process of setting up compressed biogas CBG/Biogas plants in India. The portal will act as a one-stop repository for assessing investment and participation in the sector nationwide.

The initiative aims to convert waste into wealth and realize the goals of a circular economy.

The portal will offer feasibility for government bodies, cooperatives, and private enterprises to register and obtain a unique registration number for entities interested in establishing biogas/ (CBG)/bio-CNG projects.

Registration on the portal will provide entities access to various benefits and support from the ministries and departments of the government.

In February, the Budget 2023-24 allocated ₹100 billion (~$1.23 billion) for the GOBARdhan program.

The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, serves as the nodal department for GOBARdhan and has developed a user-friendly portal accessible at: https://jalshakti-ddws.gov.in/

Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the launch of the portal marks a milestone in the government’s waste-to-wealth generation journey and reinforces its commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth.

The government has urged state governments to prioritize the registration of their CBG/Biogas project operators on the portal to avail themselves of the existing and upcoming support from the Union government.

Benefits and Transparency

The newly launched portal serves as a valuable tool for investors and entrepreneurs in the Biogas/CBG sector. It provides comprehensive information on existing and proposed GOBARdhan projects, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions.

The GOBARdhan initiative also aligns with India’s climate action goals, including the target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Given India’s significant livestock population, the effective utilization of animal waste through the CBG/Biogas sector can be pivotal in the country’s energy transition.

GOBARdhan also contributes to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals and supports the circular economy.

Recently, the Goa Budget proposed an additional incentive of 20% to encourage the establishment of renewable biogas plants.