Reliance to invest ₹1 trillion in Andhra Pradesh CBG plants

Reliance Industries Ltd plans to invest ₹1 trillion in compressed biogas projects across Andhra Pradesh. The company aims to develop more than 500 CBG plants by 2030 as part of its broader bioenergy programme.

Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries, announced the plan at a foundation stone-laying ceremony in Madanapalle. The investment will support the development of integrated energy hubs that combine CBG plants with agriphotovoltaics and battery energy storage systems. Reliance is expanding its CBG operations across southern India but has not provided details on construction schedules, feedstock arrangements, or plant capacity for the Andhra Pradesh projects.

State-level economic impact and job creation

The projects are expected to create over 3 lakh jobs, with about 2.5 lakh of those in rural areas. They will also generate nearly ₹60,000 crore in revenue for the state over the coming decades.

This investment forms part of a larger wave of industrial activity in the state. Since June 2024, the Andhra Pradesh government has approved 388 mega projects with total investment commitments exceeding ₹14 trillion. These projects have the potential to create nearly 11 lakh jobs. Approximately one-third of this ₹14 trillion investment is directed toward the Rayalaseema region.

GOBARdhan scheme and national energy strategy

The investment aligns with a major national clean energy initiative. Last month, the Union Cabinet approved the GOBARdhan scheme with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore. The scheme provides a 10-year framework from 2026-27 to 2035-36 to accelerate CBG sector development.

Its goal is to increase India's domestic CBG production nearly tenfold to around 5 million standard cubic metres per day. Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched the scheme.

Technology and farmer empowerment initiatives

Reliance's plan includes a significant focus on farmer empowerment through technology. Jio will deliver training programmes to millions of farmers via virtual classrooms on its Krishi platform. The related Indian School of Agriculture will use AI and modern technology for farming applications.

Anant Ambani emphasized that improving farmers' lives is the primary goal. He cited state government data on approved mega projects to highlight the broader economic context. "Our kisans, who ensure India's food security, will now strengthen India's energy security too - making India self-reliant in energy," Ambani said. He added, "Let us give them the skills, technology and enterprise to build successful futures in their own villages."

The company is developing integrated energy hubs that combine CBG production with agriphotovoltaics and battery energy storage systems.