Bio-CNG vs CNG vs LNG — The Future of Green Mobility

The clean fuel revolution in India is evolving rapidly — from conventional natural gas to renewable alternatives. While CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) have long supported India's mobility and industrial sectors, Bio-CNG (Compressed Biogas) is redefining the equation by combining sustainability with scalability.

CNG is extracted from natural gas reserves, primarily methane compressed to 200–250 bar pressure. It offers lower emissions than petrol or diesel but remains a fossil resource. LNG, on the other hand, is natural gas cooled to -162°C for efficient long-distance transport and bulk industrial use. Both contribute to reducing urban pollution but are still carbon-positive in lifecycle analysis.

Enter Bio-CNG — a renewable twin of CNG, derived from organic waste through anaerobic digestion and gas purification. Chemically identical to CNG (about 90–95% methane), Bio-CNG emits nearly 30–40% less greenhouse gases over its life cycle. Its carbon-neutrality comes from the fact that it uses biomass that would otherwise release methane naturally through decay.

In terms of applications, Bio-CNG performs equally well in all CNG-compatible vehicles and industrial boilers. It offers additional ESG benefits by managing waste and generating local employment. When produced locally, Bio-CNG also avoids high transportation energy costs associated with LNG.

Financially, while the capital cost of a Bio-CNG plant is higher initially, its payback improves due to dual revenue streams — selling gas and Fermented Organic Manure (FOM). With government policies offering off-take guarantees under SATAT, Bio-CNG stands as the only gaseous fuel with long-term sustainability built in.

As India accelerates toward net-zero mobility, Bio-CNG will become the preferred choice — blending energy security with environmental responsibility.