The SATAT Scheme (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) is an initiative launched by the Government of India in October 2018, aimed at setting up Compressed Biogas (CBG) production plants. The primary objective is to make CBG available for use in the transportation sector while promoting sustainable energy and waste management.
Key Objectives of the SATAT Scheme:
- Utilizing Waste: Make use of over 62 million metric tonnes of waste generated annually.
- Reducing Fuel Imports: Decrease India’s dependence on imported fuel by promoting an alternative domestic energy source.
- Job Creation: Foster job creation in the alternative fuels sector, particularly in rural areas.
- Carbon Emission Reduction: Reduce carbon emissions and pollutants by using organic and agricultural waste as energy sources.
- Promoting Sustainable Energy: Support India's commitment to climate change agreements like the Paris Agreement.
Overview of Compressed Biogas (CBG):
- Biogas is produced naturally through the anaerobic decomposition of waste or biomass. When compressed, it has similar properties to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in terms of energy potential, making it suitable as an automobile fuel.
- India’s abundance of biomass makes CBG a viable alternative to CNG for industrial and commercial use.
Benefits of the SATAT Scheme:
- Waste Management: Efficiently manage waste, thereby reducing harmful emissions.
- Additional Income for Farmers: Farmers can benefit by supplying agricultural waste for biogas production.
- Rural Entrepreneurship: Promote rural entrepreneurship and economic growth by fostering the alternative fuels industry.
- Environmental Goals: Support national climate change objectives by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Energy Security: Create a buffer against fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices.
Implementation of the SATAT Scheme:
- Entrepreneur-Led Setup: Entrepreneurs are encouraged to set up CBG plants and sell the produced gas to fuel stations across the country. By-products like bio-manure and carbon dioxide can also be marketed for additional income.
- Phased Plant Setup: The government aims to establish around 5000 CBG plants by 2025, with a projected production of 15 million tons of CBG per year.
- Employment: It is estimated that this initiative will generate employment for 45,000 people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- How many Letters of Intent (LOI) have been granted under the SATAT Scheme?
- The 100th Letter of Intent (LOI) has been handed over to a CBG entrepreneur under the scheme.
- Is Biogas profitable?
- Yes, biogas plants are beneficial for agriculture, the environment, and energy consumers. While the plants themselves may not require large staff, they provide long-term income opportunities, particularly for farms producing energy crops.
Conclusion:
The SATAT Scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing environmental concerns, reducing reliance on imported fuel, and promoting rural entrepreneurship. By encouraging the establishment of CBG plants across India, the scheme contributes to sustainable development, energy security, and economic growth.
