Panaji Launches Biomass Push Linking Panchayats, Farms And Industries For Biofuels
In a decisive step towards building a cleaner, low-carbon energy ecosystem, Panaji is driving the aggregation of agricultural and green waste into solid biofuels by linking panchayats, municipal councils, and plantation owners to local industries. The initiative marks Goa’s first biomass-based renewable energy project, backed by a dedicated 40-tonnes-per-day facility and a new digital biomass trading portal.
At the centre of this initiative is a biomass briquette plant located in Saligao, capable of processing 40 tonnes of biomass daily. Currently operational at partial capacity, producing 10 to 15 tonnes per day, the facility is poised to ramp up operations with better waste aggregation. The plant is run by a renewable energy firm and forms part of the state’s broader goal to shift away from fossil fuels.To streamline coordination, a high-level meeting was held involving municipal engineers, local administrative representatives, and key officials from solid waste and development bodies. Participants discussed challenges in biomass collection and storage, with several panchayats raising concerns over the lack of transportation facilities and on-site storage infrastructure.
To address logistical bottlenecks, it was agreed that field visits will be undertaken in the coming fortnight to map waste availability, evaluate machinery needs like shredders, and facilitate registrations on the newly launched ‘e-indhan’ portal. This digital platform is designed to serve as a marketplace for biofuel buyers and sellers, promoting transparency and ease of access across the supply chain. Officials emphasised that the integrated model is designed to foster a circular economy by converting biomass waste into solid biofuels, allowing industries to locally source their energy needs while cutting down on carbon emissions. By replacing conventional fuels with briquettes derived from plantation and garden waste, the initiative not only addresses waste management challenges but also strengthens Goa’s energy self-reliance.
Each tonne of processed waste contributes to lowering the state’s carbon footprint, marking a significant move toward sustainable industrial practices and eco-friendly energy solutions across both rural and urban areas.
