Gandhinagar: Gujarat is steadily moving towards self-reliance in alternative energy as institutions across the state are increasingly adopting biogas as a sustainable cooking fuel.

A notable example is the Shrimati Manekba Vinay Vihar Educational Complex near Adalaj, close to the state capital Gandhinagar. Over 250 girl students studying and residing in the hostel, along with staff families, have become self-reliant in cooking gas.

The institution has achieved energy independence through the Gujarat government’s Institutional Biogas Plant Scheme. Currently, two biogas plants of 45 cubic metres each are operational on the campus, with a combined capacity of 90 cubic metres per day.

Managed by the Vasumati Charity Trust, the institution also maintains a large cowshed with around 222 cows. The hostel houses over 250 students, and meals are prepared in a common kitchen.

According to the institution’s management, meals are prepared twice daily for approximately 250 students—serving more than 500 people every day. Additionally, around 15 families residing on the campus also use gas generated from the biogas plants for cooking.

Rahul Patel, Manager of the institution, stated that the government scheme has provided subsidies, enabling the campus to become self-reliant in cooking gas. “With a large number of cows, we have ample dung available for biogas production. The slurry generated after gas production is used as organic fertilizer in our fields, allowing us to practice fully organic farming,” he said.

Institution officials added that without the biogas plants, they would require nearly 30 LPG cylinders per month. Currently, they do not need even a single cylinder. Moreover, the use of slurry has eliminated the need for chemical fertilizers.

To promote alternative energy and scientific utilization of organic waste, the state government has implemented a dedicated scheme for setting up institutional biogas plants. The initiative aims to enhance energy self-reliance, reduce environmental pollution, and promote sustainable development.

Under the scheme, assistance is provided by the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) for plants with capacities of 25, 35, 45, 60, and 85 cubic metres. Non-profit organizations receive up to 75% subsidy, while profit-making institutions are eligible for up to 50% support.

Over 193 Institutional Biogas Plants Operational Across Gujarat

During the financial year 2025–26, a provision of ₹12 crore has been made under the scheme, with the installation of around 60 institutional biogas plants currently underway. A total of 15 agencies have been empanelled for implementation.

Over the past five years (2021–22 to 2025–26), a total of 193 institutional biogas plants have been installed across the state, with a combined capacity of 13,955 cubic metres per day.

For the upcoming financial year 2026–27, the state has again allocated ₹12 crore under the scheme, with plans to install approximately 60 additional biogas plants. DeshGujarat