India Promotes Biogas to Reduce Coal Dependence

India is leveraging its sacred cows, revered as incarnations of deities, to transition to biogas as part of its broader energy strategy aimed at reducing coal dependency. A new biogas facility in Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, developed by the Adani Group and TotalEnergies, processes cattle dung and agricultural waste to produce significant amounts of biogas and organic fertilizer. This initiative aligns with India's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, amidst a backdrop of increasing climate change impacts and reliance on coal for over 70% of its electricity generation. The government has set ambitious climate goals, including achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy and generating 50% of energy from renewable sources by 2030. However, India's rapid industrialization and energy demands complicate this transition, as seen in the continued operation of coal-fired plants like Trombay in Mumbai. Experts highlight the need for a balanced approach that includes carbon capture and a shift towards renewable energy to mitigate climate change effectively.