In the heart of Andhra Pradesh, a groundbreaking initiative is unfolding that promises to transform not just the energy landscape but the very fabric of rural economies. The foundation stone of the first Reliance Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Kanigiri, Prakasam district, marks the beginning of a ambitious journey towards sustainable development and economic empowerment.
The project, backed by a substantial capital investment of Rs 139 crore, is the vanguard of a series of 500 planned CBG plants across Andhra Pradesh. With a total capital outlay of Rs 65,000 crore, this initiative is set to revolutionize the state’s approach to energy production and rural development.
At the heart of this venture lies an innovative use of technology and land. The CBG plant will utilize Napier grass, cultivated on barren and waste lands, to produce bio-gas. This not only addresses the issue of land degradation but also creates a sustainable source of energy. The project is expected to generate significant livelihood opportunities for the rural economy. Farmers will benefit from lease revenues and a fixed price for the grass they grow, providing a much-needed economic boost to rural communities.
Reliance Industries, the driving force behind this initiative, has a grand vision. The company plans to establish integrated CBG hubs across Andhra Pradesh, utilizing around 500,000 acres of barren and waste lands in districts like Prakasam, Anantapur, Chittoor, and Kadapa. Once fully operational, these plants will produce 40 lakh tonnes of green, clean CBG and 1.1 million metric tonnes of organic fertilizer annually. This initiative is poised to create 250,000 jobs for rural youth, offering them a pathway to economic stability and growth.
P M S Prasad, Executive Director of Reliance, underscored the broader impact of the project. “We see this project as more than energy production. It will uplift communities and boost local economies. And it will drive Andhra Pradesh’s clean energy ambitions forward. Our initiative will equip our ANNA DAATAS with the tools and technology they need to become URJA DAATAS. Additionally, the byproduct from these plants will yield one crore tonne of Fermented Organic Manure to support farmers with a reduction of chemical fertilisers consumption. This will transform 15 lakh acres of barren land into fertile farmland, boosting farmer incomes. We (the state government and Reliance) share a united vision. A vision where Andhra Pradesh shines as a leading state of India. This bioenergy project is a major step in that direction, and we are committed to making it a reality. Together, we will turn waste into green wealth, energy into empowerment, and land into livelihood.”
The state government, led by Andhra Pradesh IT & Electronics Minister Nara Lokesh, has been instrumental in facilitating this project. Lokesh, who is also the chairman of the group of Ministers on job creation, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. “I am delighted that we have been able to provide requisite support in record time and enable Reliance to break ground on this transformational CBG project at Prakasam district. This is the first of many and we aim that Reliance would develop 500 such projects across Andhra Pradesh with a total investment of Rs 65,000 crores. Reliance Industries has been one of AP’s largest and most trusted investors over the past few decades and we are excited to extend this partnership into the CBG space.”
The event was attended by several state government dignitaries, including Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, Chief Secretary Vijayanand, Prakasam District Collector Tamim Ansariya, Transco JMD Keerthi Chekuri, and several MLAs, MLCs, and senior Reliance officials, among others. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort and shared vision between the state government and Reliance Industries.
This initiative is more than just a step towards energy independence; it is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. By turning waste into wealth and barren lands into productive farms, Andhra Pradesh is setting a new benchmark for sustainable development. The ripple effects of this project—from job creation to environmental conservation—will resonate far and wide, inspiring similar initiatives across the country. As the first CBG plant takes shape in Kanigiri, it signals the dawn of a new era in Andhra Pradesh, where sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand.
