India, Japan plan major biogas push for CNG vehicles, target 1,000 methane plants: Reports

India and Japan are set to strengthen cooperation in clean mobility with a proposed framework aimed at expanding the use of biogas-powered vehicles and boosting methane production for CNG transport in India.

According to a report published by The Japan Times, the two countries are expected to exchange a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's three-day visit to India.

As part of the plan, India and Japan are targeting the expansion of methane production facilities in the country, with the number of plants expected to rise to around 1,000. The methane produced at these facilities will be used to fuel CNG vehicles, supporting efforts to promote cleaner transport options.

Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor is expected to play a key role in the initiative. The company, which holds the largest share of India's passenger vehicle market, has already started biogas production projects in the country with support from Japan's Global South assistance programme and is looking to further encourage the use of CNG vehicles.

The proposed collaboration comes at a time when CNG-powered vehicles account for more than 20 per cent of new passenger vehicle sales in India. The growing demand reflects the country's efforts to diversify fuel options amid rising energy needs and its continued dependence on imported crude oil.

Takaichi is expected to hold summit-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit, her first to India since taking office in October last year.

The visit is part of the India-Japan leaders' reciprocal shuttle diplomacy and is expected to focus on areas including economic security, clean energy and economic growth.

The report said Japan also views closer ties with India as increasingly important amid changing geopolitical dynamics and growing competition in the region.

IANS inputs