City-based Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (Meda) — the state agency that promotes renewable energy and energy conservation — and MailHem Engineers Ltd. are currently setting up a pilot project to convert gobar gas into compressed natural gas (CNG) at the Kolhapur-based Warana milk co-operative.

The Warana milk co-operative, which is controlled by minister of state for renewable energy, Vinay Kore, will provide space and raw material — cow dung — for running the pilot project. "After studying the success of the venture, such projects could be replicated in other milk co-operatives as well," J.V. Torane, project manager, Meda, told to TOI.

The joint venture envisages an expenditure of Rs 6.2 crore, work order for which has been issued. The project, which is expected to be commissioned in the next five months, will consume eight tonnes of dung daily. About 400 cubic metres of gobar gas generated from it will yield 200 cubic metres of CNG.

"About 20 to 25 per cent press mud will also be used along with the cow dung," Torane said, adding that the CNG produced will be supplied to villagers as fuel through a pipeline.

The Warna milk co-operative will source cow dung from farmers across the district, which means that farmers will get an additional income from selling the dung. The remains of the dung from the plant can be reused as fertiliser.

Source: The Times of India