Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is accelerating its transition toward a low-carbon energy future by expanding investments in Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) and Compressed Biogas (CBG), two strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing India’s energy security while reducing dependence on imported fuels.
Speaking at the company’s 49th Annual General Meeting (AGM), Chairman Mukesh Ambani outlined Reliance’s vision to leverage domestic energy resources and renewable fuel technologies to support India’s growing energy demand and long-term sustainability goals.
Unlocking India’s Untapped Coal Resources
A key pillar of Reliance’s energy strategy is the advancement of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) technology.
India possesses vast coal reserves, but a significant portion consists of low-grade or economically unviable deposits that are difficult to mine using conventional methods. UCG offers an alternative approach by converting coal directly underground into syngas, a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other gases that can be used as a cleaner energy source.
According to Reliance, the syngas produced through UCG can serve as a substitute for imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), helping reduce exposure to volatile global energy markets and strengthening domestic energy resilience.
Mukesh Ambani described UCG as a business with significant long-term potential that can contribute to India’s goal of achieving greater energy independence.
Reliance Strengthens Position in Compressed Biogas
Alongside its coal gasification plans, Reliance is rapidly expanding its presence in the Compressed Biogas (CBG) sector.
The company currently contributes more than 40% of India’s total CBG production, making it one of the country’s largest players in the renewable gas segment.
CBG is produced from agricultural waste, organic residues, and other biomass sources, providing a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuels while supporting waste-to-energy initiatives.
Reliance is executing an aggressive expansion plan and expects to have 55 CBG plants operational by the end of FY27.
These facilities are projected to produce approximately:
🔹 1,100 tonnes of CBG per day
Over the next five years, the company plans to establish integrated bioenergy hubs with a target of reaching:
🔹 1 million tonnes of annual CBG production capacity
Supporting India’s Circular Economy and Energy Transition
The expansion of CBG production aligns with India’s broader efforts to promote sustainable fuels, reduce agricultural waste burning, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Compressed biogas offers several benefits:
- Reduction in fossil fuel dependence
- Improved waste management
- Lower carbon emissions
- Additional income opportunities for farmers
- Enhanced rural economic development
As demand for cleaner transportation fuels continues to rise, CBG is increasingly being viewed as an important component of India’s energy transition strategy.
Jio-BP Expands Renewable Fuel Network
Reliance’s bioenergy ambitions are also being reflected in its fuel retailing operations through Jio-bp, the company’s fuel and mobility joint venture with BP.
The company has expanded its CBG network to 177 retail sites across India.
According to Reliance, fuel volumes in the CBG and CNG segment increased by 68% year-on-year, highlighting growing consumer and commercial demand for cleaner fuel alternatives.
The expanding network is expected to support wider adoption of renewable gas-based mobility solutions while strengthening the country’s alternative fuel infrastructure.
Building a Diversified Energy Portfolio
Reliance’s latest initiatives form part of its broader strategy to build a diversified energy portfolio that combines traditional energy assets with renewable and low-carbon technologies.
By investing in coal gasification, bioenergy, renewable fuels, and clean energy infrastructure, the company aims to play a larger role in India’s evolving energy landscape while supporting national objectives around energy security, sustainability, and self-reliance.
As India works toward reducing fuel imports and expanding cleaner energy sources, technologies such as UCG and CBG could become increasingly important in bridging the gap between economic growth and environmental responsibility.
With significant investments planned over the coming years, Reliance’s energy roadmap signals a growing focus on leveraging domestic resources and innovative technologies to power India’s next phase of industrial and economic development.
