Armed Forces eye biogas, solar to cut fuel use amid West Asia crisis, Pg3

Key Highlights:

• The Indian Armed Forces are planning to reduce LPG and fuel consumption due to the ongoing global energy crisis.
• The Army is planning to procure biogas stoves to reduce LPG consumption.
• Restrictions on the movement of large Army convoys for administrative purposes to a maximum of 400 km are being considered.
• The Army consumes approximately 156,000 kg of cooking gas daily, with a potential saving of 30,000 kg per day through biogas.

Detailed Insights:

• The conservation efforts include optimising routine flights, encouraging the use of CNG or electric vehicles, and pooling vehicles for administrative tasks.
• The consumption of lubricants increases in high altitude locations due to extreme weather conditions, impacting the efficiency of weapon systems.
• The Armed Forces are planning to optimise unutilised defence land for green energy initiatives like solar and biogas plants over the next three to five years.
• NTPC partnered with the Army in October 2024 to establish a solar hydrogen-based micro grid at Chushul in Ladakh for stable power supply.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): A flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases used as fuel in heating appliances, cooking equipment, and vehicles.
• Biogas: A renewable fuel produced by the anaerobic breakdown of organic matter, used as an alternative to natural gas.
• CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): Natural gas stored at high pressure, used as a cleaner alternative to gasoline in vehicles.