RGIPT has developed a 35 m3 Floating Biogas Plant integrated with a heat exchanger (inside digester) and photovoltaic thermal solar panels in a self-sustained floating mode. This unique mega project is sponsored by the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (Centre for High Technology) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.

The integrated system is economical and provides an increased yield of biogas for cooking as well as hot water and electricity generation to some extent. The unique feature of a heat exchanger integrated with a solar panel in the biogas plant digester is its ability to transfer heat to provide the optimum desired temperature to produce biogas even during harsh winter conditions. Apart from this, after anaerobic digestion and biogas production, the digested materials are mechanically separated into solid and liquid phases. These phases are treated as a waste stream and can be converted into a valuable product such as biological fertilizer (vermicompost, liquid fertilizer, hydroponics, or aquaponics culture), depending on the nature of the feedstock and needs of the society. Overall, the plant not only has improved efficiency and sustainability but also contributes considerably to energy savings, water conservation, and socio-environmental benefits.