Virtual Biogas Training Tour, 2020 got kick-started on 7^th Oct. The two-day digital event (on Oct 7^th and 8^th) was organized in coordination with the German Biogas Association (GBA), Brazil Biogas Association (Abiogas), and the National Institute of Bio-Energy (NIBE). The event was supported and promoted by National Dairy Development Board, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, AIC, Mahamana Foundation for Innovation & Entrepreneurship-IM- BHU, and Industrial Outlook Online Magazine.

On the first day of the digital event, it focused on discussing elementary concepts of Biogas / Bio-CNG, associated contemporary technologies, the Indian Biogas Ecosystem, and the R&D scenario of biogas in India. The agenda for the second day, purported specifically for relevant government officials entailed exploring the overall scenario of biogas in India, Germany, and Brazil, along with a step-wise process/plan towards foraying into a successful biogas venture.

The Virtual training tour saw lectures from the following trainers:

• Mr. Gaurav Kumar Kedia, Chairman, Indian Biogas Association
• Mr. Abhijeet Mukherjee, Program Head, Indian Biogas Association
• Ms. Marion Wiesheu, German Biogas Association
• Mr. Florian Strippel, German Biogas Association
• Ms. Tamar Roitman, Brazil Biogas Association
• Mr. Srinivas Kasulla, Independent Energy Consultant
• Dr. Sachin Kumar, National Institute of Bio-Energy

The event had over 220 registrations and the list of participants included corporate professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, environmental enthusiasts, research scholars, academics and NGOs, and relevant government officials. On average, over 150 participants were recorded with active participation on either of the event days.

At the end of 2^nd day’s proceeding, the participants were privileged to hear inspirational words from Jt. Secretary- MNRE, Mr. Dinesh Jagadale. The Vote of thanks was shared by Dr. A. R. Shukla, President, IBA, which also included the launch of the “Informative Brochure on Biomethane”, a brochure entailing basic information on biomethane in English and Hindi.

Overall, it can be assumed that the virtual event was extremely helpful in raking up the awareness and interest amongst the participants towards the Biogas industry.