Mukul Gupta

Biochar, a carbon-rich residue derived from the pyrolysis of biomass, presents a transformative opportunity for enhancing the performance and sustainability of Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants. Its integration into anaerobic digestion significantly improves methane yield—by up to 74%—by supporting methanogenic microbes, stabilizing pH, and adsorbing inhibitors like ammonia and Volatile Fatty Acids. This leads to improved digester stability, reduced downtime, and enhanced energy yields—key parameters for the viability of CBG operations.

Beyond process efficiency, biochar enables the upcycling of anaerobic digestate into a high-value biofertilizer. Its porous structure and high cation exchange capacity aid in nutrient retention, heavy metal immobilization, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions post-application. This not only creates a secondary revenue stream but also supports sustainable agricultural practices.

For GAIL, the integration of biochar offers a circular economy model—converting organic waste into renewable energy and climate-positive soil amendments. Furthermore, the carbon sequestration potential of biochar contributes to emission reduction goals and the generation of high-quality carbon credits. Environmental benefits include carbon sequestration (1.15–1.20 tCO₂eq/ton biochar) and reduced soil emissions. Pilot studies and scalable deployment pathways demonstrate biochar’s potential to play a critical role in India’s clean energy and climate transition.