Usage of Pressmud from Sugarcane for Green Energy Production

Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG):

• CBG is an eco-friendly gas derived from the anaerobic decomposition of organic materials.
• Produced through Biomethanation, it mainly contains methane, carbon dioxide, and traces of other gases.
• CBG is created by purifying and compressing methane from biogas.

What is Pressmud?

• Pressmud is a residual byproduct from the sugar industry, now recognized for its potential in CBG production.
• It is a consistent, easily sourced feedstock for anaerobic digestion, leading to CBG creation.
• Pressmud yield is about 3-4% by weight of processed sugarcane.

Advantages of Using Pressmud for CBG:

• Consistent quality and simpler sourcing.
• Simplified supply chain compared to other feedstocks.
• Higher conversion efficiency, requiring less quantity for CBG production.
• Cost-effective, with lower feedstock costs and no pretreatment needed.

Challenges in Utilizing Pressmud:

• Competition from other industries, escalating prices.
• Storage complexities due to decomposition.

India’s Pressmud Production Landscape:

• In 2022-23, India produced 32.74 million tonnes of sugar, generating about 11.4 million tonnes of pressmud.
• Major sugarcane-producing states include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar.

The potential of Pressmud in CBG Production:

• Estimated yield of approximately 460,000 tonnes of CBG.
• Valued at around Rs 2,484 crore under the SATA scheme.
• Offers a sustainable alternative for energy production, aligning with India’s green energy goals.

Why in news:

• India is exploring the use of Pressmud, a sugar industry byproduct, for green energy production, specifically Compressed Biogas (CBG).