Andhra Pradesh has taken a significant step towards sustainable energy with Nara Lokesh, the state’s IT & Electronics Minister and Chairman of the Group of Ministers on Job Creation, laying the foundation stone for Reliance Industries’ first Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Kanigiri, Prakasam district.
This project marks the beginning of a massive Rs 65,000 crore investment plan by Reliance to establish 500 CBG plants across the state. The Kanigiri plant alone will see an investment of Rs 139 crore, setting the stage for a green energy revolution in Andhra Pradesh.
What makes this initiative unique is its focus on Napier grass cultivation—grown on barren and waste lands—to produce bio-gas. Farmers will not only benefit from lease revenues but also receive a fixed price for the grass, ensuring stable income and economic empowerment in rural areas. Reliance has outlined an expansive vision—utilizing around 500,000 acre of wasteland across Prakasam, Anantapur, Chittoor, and Kadapa to set up these integrated CBG hubs. Once fully operational, the network of plants is expected to generate 40 lakh ton of clean, green CBG annually, along with 1.1 million metric ton of organic fertilizer. The project is also set to create 2.5 lakh jobs, providing employment opportunities to rural youth.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, P M S Prasad , Director, Reliance Industries highlighted the broader impact of the project: “We see this project as more than energy production. It will uplift communities and boost local economies. And it will drive Andhra Pradesh’s clean energy ambitions forward. Our initiative will equip our ANNA DAATAS with the tools and technology they need to become URJA DAATAS. Additionally, the byproduct from these plants will yield one crore tonne of Fermented Organic Manure to support farmers with a reduction of chemical fertilisers consumption. This will transform 15 lakh acre of barren land into fertile farmland, boosting farmer incomes. We (the State Government and Reliance) share a united vision. A vision where Andhra Pradesh shines as a leading state of India. This bioenergy project is a major step in that direction, and we are committed to making it a reality. Together, we will turn waste into green wealth, energy into empowerment, and land into livelihood.”
Echoing this enthusiasm, Nara Lokesh, IT & Electronics Minister, Andhra Pradesh and Chairman, Group of Ministers on Job Creation emphasized the government’s swift action in facilitating the project, stating: “I am delighted that we have been able to provide requisite support in record time and enable Reliance to break ground on this transformational CBG project at Prakasam district. This is the first of many and we aim that Reliance would develop 500 such projects across Andhra Pradesh with a total investment of Rs. 65,000 crores. Reliance Industries has been one of AP’s largest and most trusted investors over the past few decades and we are excited to extend this partnership into the CBG space.”
A Game-Changer for Andhra Pradesh
With Reliance at the helm of this green energy transformation, Andhra Pradesh is poised to become a leader in bioenergy production. The initiative not only aligns with India’s renewable energy goals but also strengthens rural livelihoods, agricultural sustainability, and environmental conservation.
The first of 500, this Kanigiri CBG plant is more than just an energy project—it’s a beacon of sustainable progress.