Noida-based Nexgen Energia Secures $1 Bn from Capital Edge

In a big news for India's green energy sector, NexGen Energia, a Noida-based firm specializing in Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production, has secured a $1 billion investment from Capital Edge, a Kuwaiti investment company. 

This funding will help NexGen Energia expand its CBG infrastructure across India, supporting the country's transition to clean energy and energy self-reliance.

The funding is equity-based, allowing NexGen Energia to scale operations without short-term repayment pressure.

The company aims to establish 1,000 CBG plants by 2026, contributing to India's clean energy transition. The investment aligns with India's National Bio-Energy Mission, which promotes bio-energy initiatives for sustainability and carbon neutrality.

The Kuwaiti firm, Capital Edge, specializes in high-impact investments across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, focusing on scalable, sustainable projects.

The company aims to set up 1,000 CBG plants by 2026, significantly boosting India's renewable energy capacity 1. With the Indian government actively promoting bio-energy initiatives, this investment aligns well with national goals for sustainability and carbon neutrality.

NexGen Energia’s Director of Sales, Nishant Tiwari, emphasized that this funding will accelerate their vision of a greener India, fostering innovation, job creation, and energy independence.

This $1 billion investment in NexGen Energia's Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) infrastructure is a significant step for India's renewable energy sector and has multiple far-reaching implications such as Job Creation, as setting up 1,000 CBG plants will generate employment opportunities, especially in rural areas. Moreover, farmers can sell agricultural waste to CBG plants, creating an additional revenue stream.

Globally, investments in renewable energy have surged, with clean energy spending now nearly double that of fossil fuels. In 2024, total energy investment is expected to exceed $3 trillion, with $2 trillion allocated to clean energy technologies and infrastructure.

Indian Oil-GPS Renewables JV is investing 1,200 crore to set up 10 CBG plants across India in FY26. These plants will produce 5,475 tonnes per annum (TPA) of CBG, along with fertilizers and biomass pellets. Locations include Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.

Last November, Reliance Industries announced a massive investment of ₹65,000 crore (approximately US$ 7.5 billion) to set up 500 CBG plants in Andhra Pradesh over the next 5 years.

The SATAT initiative (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) aims to establish 5,000 CBG plants by 2023-24, with an estimated investment of ₹2 lakh crore. This program is designed to boost clean fuel availability and create employment opportunities.

Financial analyses indicate that CBG investments offer promising returns, with growing demand for biomass blending in coal-based power plants and fertilizer markets. However, challenges include securing skilled manpower and ensuring stable feedstock supply.

France Discovers Massive Deposits of Natural Hydrogen Worth $92 Trillion

France has made a groundbreaking discovery of natural hydrogen reserves, estimated to be worth around $92 trillion. The reserve is estimated to hold 46 million tonnes of hydrogen, valued at around $92 Trillion. This makes it one of the largest known natural hydrogen reserves on the planet.

The discovery was unexpected, as scientists were initially searching for methane but instead found this vast supply of white hydrogen buried 1,250 meters underground.

White hydrogen is naturally occurring and does not require complex industrial processes or generate harmful emissions, making it a potential game-changer for clean energy. This discovery could significantly impact the global energy landscape and drive a shift towards more sustainable energy sources.

Unlike green hydrogen, which requires electricity from renewable sources for production, or grey hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels and contributes to pollution, white hydrogen is naturally occurring. It is found deep underground and does not require complex industrial processes or generate harmful emissions.

Researchers from the Georesources Laboratory and CNRS made the discovery while initially searching for methane. Instead, they found a vast natural hydrogen reserve buried 1,250 meters underground.

The discovery could expedite the transition to a hydrogen-based economy, aligning with the EU's Fit-for-55 Package and REPowerEU plan. Natural hydrogen, being a clean and sustainable energy source, can help Europe achieve its net-zero goals more efficiently.

With substantial natural hydrogen reserves, Europe could reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and independence.

White hydrogen is considered a potential game-changer for clean energy as it provides a carbon-free energy source. When burned, it only produces water, making it an exceptionally clean energy source with enormous potential.

The discovery could spark a global shift toward sustainable energy, as similar reserves might exist in other parts of the world. This could redefine the way energy is produced and consumed globally.

This discovery is not just a significant milestone for France but also holds the potential to revolutionize the global energy landscape.

Adani Total Gas and Shigan Ink MoU To Develop Alternative Fuel Retrofitment and Other Supply Chain Decarb Solutions

Adani Total Gas, Shigan sign MoU for

collaboration in decarbonization

• Will explore retrofitting ICE engines to run on alternate fuels like CNG & LNG
• Primary focus of retrofitment solution will transportation and mining applications
• Partners to also explore other applications like stationary engines, locomotives, and marine equipment
• Will contribute to development of ecosystem by bringing together key stakeholders
• Will explore e-mobility based solutions for last mile delivery players

In a move towards sustainability and environmental responsibility, Adani Total Gas Limited (ATGL), India’s leading energy and city gas distribution company, and Shigan Quantum Technologies Limited (Shigan), an alternative fuel system solutions provider for automotive, locomotive and stationary engine applications, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims at decarbonizing the supply chain by creating an ecosystem which will enable transitioning to cleaner fuels such as CNG and LNG. Under the MoU, both ATGL and Shigan will explore various areas of collaboration.

Shigan manufactures alternative fuel system solutions for automotive OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and aftermarket. The primary focus of both the partners will be on adopting natural gas for transportation and mining applications through sustainable solutions for fleet operators, including those deployed by Adani Group companies in sectors like cement, ports and logistics. The LNG retrofitment solution also will explore various applications like stationary engines, locomotives and marine equipment.

Besides developing CNG/LNG-based retrofitment solutions, the partnership will explore developing e-mobility based solutions for last mile delivery players and use cases for green hydrogen as fuel for ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles.

ATGL and Shigan are confident that the collaboration will have a positive impact on the environment and the broader business community. The MoU will enable both parties to prioritise their sustainability efforts without compromising on operational efficiency.

Mr Suresh P. Manglani, Executive Director and CEO, ATGL, said, “The signing of the MoU represents a collective vision for a greener, more sustainable future. We look forward to co-developing end-to-end solutions, which will support the transport and mining industries in their decarbonization journey and contribute to the net zero commitments of the country.”

Mr. Shishir Agrawal, Managing Director, Shigan, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This MoU marks a significant step forward in our joint commitment to environmental responsibility. By transitioning to cleaner fuels, we aim to not only reduce our carbon footprint but also inspire positive change within industry."

About Adani Total Gas Limited

Adani Total Gas Limited is in the business of development of city gas distribution (CGD) networks for continuous supply of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG). These networks provide natural gas as a convenient, economical, reliable, and environmentally friendly fuel option, offering consumers safety and convenience.

ATGL is co-promoted by the Adani Group and TotalEnergies. It has a presence across 33 Geographical Areas and plays a significant role in the nation’s efforts to enhance the share of natural gas in its energy mix. Further, ATGL has a joint venture with Indian Oil Corporation, which is also in the business of city gas distribution and has a presence across 19 geographical areas. With these 52 Geographical Areas, ATGL is one of the largest CGD companies in India. Further, with a consumer centricity approach, ATGL entered into the e-mobility and biomass businesses and incorporated two wholly owned subsidiaries – Adani TotalEnergies E-mobility Limited (ATEL) and Adani TotalEnergies Biomass Limited (ATBL). These new businesses will provide a choice of fuels to consumers. ATGL has also formed a 50:50 joint venture, namely Smart Meter Technologies Private Limited, for its gas meter manufacturing business. ATGL is planning to set up liquified natural gas (LNG) dispensing stations to cater to medium and heavy-duty transportation consumers.

For more information, please visit https://www.adanigas.com/

About Shigan Quantum Technologies Limited

Established in 2008, Shigan Quantum Technologies Limited is engaged in the business of designing, developing and manufacturing of various types of alternate fuel systems including CNG, LNG, Hydrogen Fuel Kit systems for automotive, locomotive, stationary engine applications, heavy duty vehicles, light duty vehicles and off-highway applications. Shigan is the only company in India, who has completely indigenized BS-VI + OBD-II CNG fuel system, to provide advanced technology at Indian price, for Indian Automotive OE customers.

In addition to being alternative fuel system solution providers, Shigan has diversified into automatic fire detection and suppression system (FDSS) and FAS/FPS for automotive application and have indigenized the complete FDSS, FAS & FPS and commenced production for supplies to OEMs.

For more information, please visit, https://www.shigan-quantum.com/

With 164 Patents Filed, Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) R&D Center Revolutionizes the Fuel Industry with Breakthrough Innovations

• BPCL Introduces Ethanol-Diesel Blend for Cleaner Emissions
• The R&D division has filed 164 patents for cutting-edge innovations
• Adopts Innovative Approach to Valorizing Bio-refinery Waste
• BPCL Unveils Groundbreaking Technologies for rapid crude oil sourcing and Real-Time Refinery Monitoring and Optimization
• BPCL R&D Develops High-Efficiency LPG Burner for Energy Conservation

BPCL R&D Centers have been at the forefront of technological advancements. Since its establishment in 2001, the Corporate R&D Centre has provided a platform for breakthrough research and development. Together with the Lubes R&D Centre, a leading hub in lubricant research, BPCL R&D continues to contribute to a greener and cleaner fuels. Its research areas have evolved over the years, focusing on carbon capture and utilization, green hydrogen, biofuels, advanced clean fuel, petrochemicals, and business sustainability. These strategic focus areas align with the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and energy transition.

In view of this, Bharat Petroleum's Research & Development (R&D) division proudly presents its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic focus areas at the Corporate R&D Centre in Greater Noida. With a commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions, BPCL R&D has gained international recognition as a leading research center.

Over the years, the division has achieved remarkable milestones, including 164 Patents filed for cutting-edge innovations, 87 Patents granted across multiple countries, 17 Technologies/products commercialized and over 230+ Scientific papers and Book chapters. Notable innovations include the development of "Green Silica" from rice straw-based 2G Bio-refinery ash, compostable biomaterials, and Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) products.

Aligned with Bharat Petroleum's sustainability agenda and Net Zero Mission, BPCL R&D has undertaken initiatives like the Diesel-Ethanol blend to reduce emissions. The division's digital advancements and collaborations with renowned institutions have fostered the knowledge economy and innovation culture.

Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL, said, “With ‘Energising Lives’ as our core purpose, our mission is leveraging talent, innovation & technology and always being the first choice of customers. Our dynamic R&D team, brimming with creativity, has successfully developed a multitude of cutting-edge technologies, innovative products and processes that have not only increased our profitability but also significantly reduced our environmental footprint. Their continuous pursuit for excellence has led us to attain numerous accolades such as an extensive patent portfolio”.

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon'ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said, "Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi, BPCL is remarkably pushing the boundaries of technology and sustainability through its cutting-edge R&D initiatives. I congratulate the team BPCL for continuous pursuit for excellence, contributing significantly to India's energy landscape and reinforce our position as a global leader in innovation."

Focused on carbon capture, green hydrogen, biofuels, clean fuels, petrochemicals, and business sustainability, BPCL R&D drives excellence and innovation in these areas. Its cutting-edge facilities, Motivated team of Scientists, Engineers and Administrative Staff, and strategic partnerships are at the forefront of technological advancements.

BPCL-R&D has also achieved a significant milestone in the digital space. It has developed two novel technologies, namely the K Model for crude compatibility and BPMARRK® for quick and accurate real-time crude assay. BPCL is the only company at the global level to achieve this milestone in the oil and gas sector. Recently, a collaboration agreement was inked with the world leader in Refinery Software business, M/s Aspen Technology Inc. USA, to provide a unique solution to the refinery world for real-time monitoring and optimization of refinery units, along with BPCL BPMARRK® software.

To address India's import dependency for gas, which currently caters to 50% of the country's 44MMTPA gas demand, BPCL-R&D is working on the development of an energy-efficient PNG burner. Notably, BPCL-R&D has successfully developed a PNG burner with an efficiency of 70%, surpassing the reported 55% efficiency so far. The plan is to conduct a pilot and roll out the energy-efficient PNG stove during FY 2023-24, contributing to a reduction in import dependency.

We are investing heavily in these upcoming areas both in terms of manpower and infrastructure. I believe innovations in these areas can not only give BPCL competitive advantage and also create sustainable business environment; while contributing for the nations net zero ambition and thus making the world better place to live for the future generation.

About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL):

Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the premier integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with a significant presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the elite club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy.

Bharat Petroleum’s Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina Refinery have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, energy stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 21,000 Energy Stations, over 6,200 LPG distributorships, 525 Lubes distributorships, 123 POL storage locations, 53 LPG Bottling Plants, 70 Aviation Service Stations, 4 Lube blending plants and 4 cross-country pipelines.

Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has chalked out the plan to offer electric vehicle charging stations at around 7000 energy stations over next 5 years.

With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing a vibrant ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting innumerable initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With ‘Energising Lives’ as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum’s vision is to be the most admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology.

Ashok Leyland Accelerates the Green Mobility Agenda: Receives India’s 1st LNG Fuel Truck CMVR Certificate

Ashok Leyland, flagship company of the Hinduja Group and India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, today received India’s first LNG Fueled Truck Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) certificate for AVTR UF3522 and its variants from Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

As part of Green Mobility push, Ashok Leyland presents the AVTR UF3522 – India’s first certified LNG fueled truck – completely validated and optimized for Indian operating conditions.

Intensifying efforts in the alternative fuel segment, the AVTR UF3522 is the next step to expand the offerings. Through thorough R&D, the truck has been validated to work on optimal capacity for the Indian operating conditions. LNG is being considered as the future of the natural gas economy offering lower on-road total carbon emissions as compared to its counterparts like CNG, which will be a step towards India’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2027.

Dr. N Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer, Ashok Leyland said, “We are proud to bring to India the first LNG fueled truck, completely developed in and for India. As a part of our green mobility agenda, we aim to bring alternative fuel based vehicles which can provide same efficiency and range as our ICE models. AVTR UF3522 is an effort to bring clean and safe vehicle to all our stakeholders. Our LNG vehicle is based on our proven modular truck platform – AVTR along with H6 engine to provide better range and operability across all functions and industries.”

The Torque of the new LNG truck has been retained from the diesel variants of Ashok Leyland which ensures no loss in drivability across applications. LNG trucks have three times the fuel capacity as compared to CNG, thus providing a longer range. Along with that, the truck provides an option of double LNG tank, providing highest ever mileage of 1500 plus kilometers in a single fill.

AVTR , India’s first modular platform, has helped Ashok Leyland quickly derive LNG trucks as the platform enables key principles of standard interfaces. The LNG truck can be further expanded for multiple purposes and applications ranging from 19 ton to 42 ton. Ashok Leyland will be launching the complete variants of LNG and CNG trucks in haulage, tipper and tractor segment over the next six months.

Some of the salient features of the LNG AVTR UF 3522 truck are:

• Based on proven H6 Engine platform
• Integration to the AVTR modular platform with 80% common with diesel parts and applicability across segments from 19T to 42T
• 220hp 700Nm engine with torque matching the diesel driveability for Indian operating conditions
• Patented* double tank option giving a max range of 1500+kms in single fill
• Higher Oil change interval at 20K kms

*Under application

For Yrs Urban India Continue to Breathe Toxic Air, Incentivising Vehicle Conversions to Clean Fuels An Immediate Solution until EV Become Commercially Viable

What about our immediately available clean air solutions?

In absence of immediately available clean air options, urban India will continue to breathe toxic air for years

The lack of urgency to respond to air pollution crisis is causing irreparable harm to the health of millions of Indians

Rolling out clean gaseous fuels such as Auto LPG can bring about an immediate difference in air quality of several Indian cities

Incentivising vehicle conversions to clean gaseous fuels can be an immediate solution until Electric Vehicles become commercially viable

New Delhi : As poor air quality coupled with hazardous smog continues to perpetually choke the capital and other Indian cities, lack of urgency to respond is both frustrating and appalling. With an overwhelming policy thrust on EVs and a complete dearth of focus on immediate clean air solutions, millions of Indians are likely to continue breathing toxic air for years.

As we observe National Pollution Control Day, it is pertinent to note that by banking totally on long term solutions like the EVs, India is missing out on low hanging fruits that can help bring about an immediate difference in air quality. Clean gaseous fuels such as Auto LPG are one such under-utilised solution that can bring about immense benefits to urban air quality by controlling hazardous vehicular tailpipe emissions.

Indian Auto LPG Coalition, the apex body of Auto LPG suppliers in the country, is underlining the need for the government to incentivise vehicle conversions to Auto LPG to be able to leverage an immediate air quality benefit.

"Even though the annual stubble burning process impacts Delhi’s air quality most seriously at the onset of winters, truth is that residents of the capital breathe toxic air for most part of the year. Hazardous vehicular emissions continue to be a major source of poor air quality in urban India. Yet, the fact that policymakers do not display any urgency in addressing the above and focus only on long-term deployment of EVs is frustrating. Lack of use of immediate clean energy solutions such as Auto LPG implies that millions of people have no hope of breathing clean air any time in the near future,” said Mr. Suyash Gupta, Director General, Indian Auto LPG Coalition.

With a bulk of Delhi’s and most Indian cities’ air pollution woes emanating from the transport sector, it is important that well calibrated near and long term measures are initiated to address this problem. The capital and other polluted Indian cities need to shift a substantial part of their private vehicles to cleaner fuels like Auto LPG in the short term until EVs become widely viable. Much like the capital undertook a major transformation drive by converting its DTC buses fleet to CNG 20 years back, another similar transformation drive is needed on personal vehicles and cars.

Tailpipe emissions resulting from vehicles include oxides of nitrogen (NOx), hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2) as well as particulate matter.

“We already have readily available and clean alternative fuels that can help us achieve significant gain in air quality in a short span of time. With much lower emissions of not only carbon but also nitrogen oxides and particulate matters, Auto LPG is such a readily available alternative to petrol and diesel. What we need is a clear policy tilt towards clean alternative fuels and a plan to incentivise vehicle conversions to Auto LPG. The government must do this by subsidising conversion costs, reducing GST on Auto LPG as well as on Auto LPG/CNG conversion kits to encourage use of the eco-friendly fuel", added Mr Gupta.

A policy thrust towards cleaner fuels will also push OEMs towards investing in more Auto LPG variants, offering greater options for consumers.

Auto LPG is the third most widely used automotive fuel used globally after petrol and diesel. It has almost 50% lesser PM emissions than CNG and Petrol and 80% lower PM emissions than Diesel. Vehicles using Auto LPG as fuel also emit much lower CO2, making Auto LPG one of the most eco-friendly fuels on the block. Also, LPG has been classified by United Nations International Panel on Climate Change (UNIPCC) for having a global warming potential of zero, implying that is not a greenhouse gas.

About IAC:

Indian Auto LPG Coalition (IAC) is the nodal body for the promotion of Auto LPG in India. Members of the Coalition include the Oil Sector PSUs, Private Auto LPG marketers, Kit Suppliers and Equipment Manufacturers. The Coalition works closely with the World LPG Association and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

IAC is also a member of “Central Motor Vehicle Rules - Technical Standing Committee” (CMVR-TSC) & “Standing Committee on Emission Legislation” (SCOE), TED26 (Bureau of Indian Standards), Government of India.