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GPS Renewables, a cleantech firm, was founded in 2012 by IIM graduates Mainak Chakraborty and Sreekrishna Sankar, with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and Aerocare Clean Energy. GPS Renewables has introduced a new eco-friendly solution for charging electric vehicles (EVs) using biogas. The company has set up an electric vehicle charging station in Mumbai that uses biogas generated from a biomethane plant.
Transforming EV Charging with Biogas-Powered Fast Charging Stations
The biogas-powered electric vehicle charging station offers fast charging for electric vehicles in just 45 minutes, as compared to the average 4 hours taken by normal charging stations. The charging station’s biogas-generated set produces renewable power using purified biogas. Biogas is fed into the charging station, which produces electricity from the biogas and supplies the required electric current to charge electric vehicles.
The plant at Mumbai has a capacity of using 2 tonnes of organic waste per day, which can produce 240 cubic meters of biogas per day, enough to power 8 cars completely.
The motive behind this Biogas-Powered EV Charging is to establish electric vehicle charging stations that are 100 per cent green and in turn drive large-scale adoption of sustainable behaviour. Therefore, with the inspiration of making electric vehicles a completely clean energy model.
The price of charging an electric vehicle at the biogas-powered electric vehicle charging station as of May 2022 was Rs 15 per kWh (unit), not inclusive of GST. GPS Renewables aims to replicate this model across electric vehicle charging stations in the country.
GPS Renewables sources its input produce for the bio methanation plant from nearby establishments such as hotels, motels, restaurants, and small eateries. The organic wet waste discarded by them goes as feedstock into the plant, which is transported through green waste collector trucks appointed by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM).
The company has more than 100 biogas plants established and operational across India and is incubating a project to transform the compostable fraction of Municipal Solid Waste into Bio CNG.
Innovative Approach to Clean Energy
The biogas-powered EV charging station by GPS Renewables represents a breakthrough in sustainable technology. By combining biogas and electric vehicle charging, the initiative bridges the gap between renewable energy production and clean mobility, ensuring a greener future for India’s transportation sector.
Benefits of Biogas-Powered EV Charging
This charging station significantly reduces dependence on conventional energy sources, which are often coal-based. Biogas, derived from organic waste, not only helps cut down on carbon emissions but also addresses the problem of urban waste management by converting biodegradable waste into useful energy.
Scalability and Future Plans
With its pilot project in Mumbai, GPS Renewables envisions expanding this innovative model nationwide. The company is collaborating with municipal bodies, private enterprises, and renewable energy stakeholders to establish more such stations across India, potentially revolutionizing the EV charging infrastructure.
Environmental and Economic Impact
By sourcing organic waste from local businesses and communities, the biogas plant creates a circular economy, reducing landfill waste and promoting local employment. Furthermore, the Rs 15 per kWh price point makes charging an EV cost-effective compared to traditional charging methods, enhancing accessibility for a larger audience.
Driving Sustainable Change
This initiative aligns with India’s push towards achieving net-zero emissions and fostering the adoption of electric vehicles under its Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme. The integration of biogas-powered charging stations reinforces India’s commitment to transitioning towards clean energy and sustainable urban living.
Technology Behind Biogas to Power EVs
The process involves capturing methane gas from decomposing organic waste in the biomethane plant. The biogas is purified to remove impurities, ensuring it meets the requirements for electricity generation. Advanced technology ensures minimal energy loss during the conversion, maximizing the efficiency of the charging stations.
Community Engagement and Awareness
To promote the adoption of biogas-powered EV charging, GPS Renewables conducts awareness campaigns for local communities and businesses. By highlighting the dual benefits of waste management and clean energy, the company encourages participation in its sustainable initiatives.
Vision for the Future
As the EV market in India continues to grow, solutions like biogas-powered charging stations are crucial to creating a self-sustaining ecosystem. GPS Renewables’ efforts demonstrate how technology, innovation, and collaboration can transform urban infrastructure into a green, efficient, and cost-effective solution.
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