CBG Subsidy Scheme Comparison: BAM vs SATAT vs Waste to Energy Programme Guide
CBG Subsidy Scheme Comparison: BAM vs SATAT vs Waste to Energy Programme Guide
Choosing the right support scheme for your CBG plant can be confusing. In this CBG Subsidy Scheme Comparison, we evaluate the BAM Scheme, SATAT Scheme, and Waste to Energy Programme to help you decide which one fits your project best — whether it’s for innovation, market linkage, or capital subsidy.
This blog offers a side-by-side comparison, clear examples, and FAQs to help you choose the most beneficial subsidy scheme for your project.
🔍 What Are These Schemes?
1️⃣ BAM Scheme (Biogas-based Advanced Biofuels and Bioenergy Programme)
Administered by: Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
Objective: Promote innovative bioenergy technologies and pilot projects
Support Type: R&D Grants, Tech demonstration subsidies, and support for cutting-edge biogas applications
Best For: R&D institutes, tech startups, or unique projects with innovative components (e.g., fermentation-based co-products, dual-feed plants)
2️⃣ SATAT Scheme (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation)
Administered by: Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG)
Objective: Encourage entrepreneurs to produce CBG and supply it to OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies) like IOCL, BPCL, HPCL
Support Type: Market linkage, not financial subsidy
Best For: Projects looking for assured long-term gas purchase agreement (i.e., sales tie-up, not capital subsidy)
3️⃣ Waste to Energy Programme
Administered by: Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE)
Objective: Provide Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for CBG/Biogas/Power projects
Support Type: Capital Subsidy (CFA) of up to ₹10 Cr per project
Best For: Commercial CBG plant setups, with or without SATAT tie-ups
🧮 Scheme Comparison Table
| Feature | BAM Scheme | SATAT Scheme | Waste to Energy Programme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admin | DBT | MoPNG | MNRE |
| Type of Support | R&D Grants + Tech Subsidy | Market linkage (OMC agreement) | Capital Subsidy (CFA) |
| Maximum Subsidy | Case-specific (based on innovation) | No subsidy, only sales tie-up | ₹4 Cr per 4800 kg/day (Max ₹10 Cr) |
| Application Portal | DBT / BIRAC Calls | Expression of Interest to OMCs | BioURJA Portal |
| Advance Subsidy | Not applicable | Not applicable | ✅ If SATAT agreement + 50% loan |
| Suitable For | Startups, tech innovators | Large-scale suppliers to OMCs | All commercial CBG projects |
| Disbursement | Based on milestones | No disbursement | Post-commissioning / advance possible |
| Special Advantage | Supports unique tech/IP | Assured buyer (OMC) | High subsidy + supports SATAT |
💰 CFA and Support in CBG Subsidy Schemes
| Feature | BAM | SATAT | Waste to Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Subsidy | Conditional/Case-Specific | ❌ Not Provided | ✅ ₹4 Cr per 4800 kg/day (max ₹10 Cr) |
| Market Tie-up | ❌ | ✅ Yes | ❌ |
| Advance CFA | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ If SATAT + 50% project loan |
| Application Mode | Call-based | EOI to OMCs | Apply via BioURJA Portal |
🧾 Simple Examples to Understand
✅ Example 1: Farmer Group Setting Up CBG Plant Using Cow Dung
Selling CBG to industries
Standard process, no new technology
🔁 Best Scheme: Waste to Energy Programme (MNRE)
✅ Example 2: Tech Startup Developing Dual-Feed Biogas with AI-based Monitoring
Unique technology, pilot stage
🔁 Best Scheme: BAM Scheme (DBT)
✅ Example 3: Industrial Group Setting Up 10 TPD CBG Plant with Signed OMC Agreement
Selling to IOCL under SATAT
🔁 Best Scheme: Waste to Energy (for subsidy) + SATAT (for market)
✅ Example 4: Consultant Managing Multiple Projects for SATAT Supply
Projects need capital + buyer
🔁 Apply for CFA under Waste to Energy + Sales via SATAT
📌 When to Apply Where?
| Situation | Apply Here |
|---|---|
| You want subsidy + market tie-up | Waste to Energy + SATAT |
| You only need market linkage | SATAT only |
| You want subsidy for a new tech idea | BAM Scheme |
| You want capital subsidy for commercial plant | Waste to Energy Programme |
🗂️ FAQs on CBG Subsidy Schemes
Q1. Can I apply under both SATAT and Waste to Energy Scheme?
👉 Yes! If you sign an OMC agreement under SATAT, you become eligible for advance CFA under the Waste to Energy Programme.
Q2. Does SATAT provide capital subsidy?
👉 No. SATAT only provides CBG purchase agreements with OMCs. For subsidy, apply under Waste to Energy.
Q3. Is BAM Scheme open all year round?
👉 No. It works via calls for proposals by DBT/BIRAC. You must apply when a suitable expression of interest (EOI) is open.
Q4. What is the max subsidy I can get under the Waste to Energy Programme?
👉 ₹4 Cr per 4800 kg/day CBG capacity, up to a maximum of ₹10 Cr per project.
Q5. Can I apply to Waste to Energy Programme without SATAT agreement?
👉 Yes. SATAT tie-up is not mandatory. It’s only required if you want advance CFA.
🏁 Final Words
If you’re planning a CBG plant in India, your best strategy depends on your project’s:
✅ Size
✅ Technology
✅ Buyer model (open market or OMCs)
✅ Financial needs
🔶 For standard commercial projects, the Waste to Energy Programme is the most effective subsidy route.
🔶 For SATAT supply projects, combine SATAT + Waste to Energy for maximum benefit.
🔶 For innovative technologies, go with the BAM Scheme.
