Suzuki's Innovative Approach: Powering CNG Cars with Cow Dung Biogas
Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), the parent company of Maruti Suzuki India, is taking a unique approach to address carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by utilizing cow dung to produce biogas. This biogas will be used to power Maruti”s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cars in India. This initiative is part of SMC”s growth strategy for the fiscal year 2030.
Maruti currently offers 14 CNG models in India, including popular ones like Alto, WagonR, Swift, and Ertiga. With approximately 70% market share in India”s CNG car market, Maruti has been a key player in promoting eco-friendly mobility solutions. The company introduced CNG cars to the Indian market in 2010 and has sold over 1.14 million units, resulting in a substantial reduction of over 1.31 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Anticipating the continued growth of the Indian market, SMC acknowledges the challenge of managing total CO2 emissions even with the reduction in emissions per product. To strike a balance between sales growth and emission reduction, SMC is venturing into the biogas business. The company aims to produce biogas from cow dung, primarily sourced from India”s rural areas, where dairy wastes are abundant.
SMC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Dairy Development Board and Banas Dairy, the largest dairy manufacturer in Asia, to conduct verification of biogas. The company has also invested in Fujisan Asagiri Biomass LLC in Japan, a venture that generates electricity using biogas derived from cow dung.
The initiative is not only seen as a step toward carbon neutrality but also as a means to stimulate economic growth and contribute to Indian society. SMC envisions expanding the biogas business to other farming areas in regions like Africa, ASEAN, and Japan in the future, further promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices on a global scale.
Suzuki Motor Corporation”s forward-thinking strategy to use cow dung for biogas production marks a significant step towards sustainability and carbon neutrality. Maruti Suzuki India”s commitment to leveraging this biogas to power its CNG cars showcases a harmonious blend of innovation and environmental responsibility. With a robust portfolio of CNG models and a substantial market share, Maruti is poised to contribute significantly to reducing CO2 emissions in the automotive sector. The collaboration with Indian dairy industry leaders and investments in similar ventures in Japan underscore Suzuki”s dedication to expanding this eco-friendly initiative globally. As the automotive landscape evolves, Suzuki”s unique biogas business not only addresses environmental challenges but also aligns with broader economic and societal goals, setting a positive precedent for the industry.
