Belagavi: A shortage of commercial LPG cylinders triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict has pushed hotels and small industries in Belagavi to explore alternative energy sources. Stepping in to address the crisis, local entrepreneur Sameer Kanabargi is driving a rapid transition to biomass-based solutions.
For more details : https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/helping-commercial-units-overcome-lpg-shortage-using-alternative-energy-sources/article70811590.ece
Kanabargi, who runs Phoenix Industries in the Udyambag Industrial Estate, has been working in the alternative energy sector for over three decades. His company manufactures biomass-based stoves, water heaters, gasifiers, and steam generators that run on agricultural waste such as bagasse, coconut shells, twigs, and other combustible materials.
According to estimates, nearly 150 out of 350 hotels and about 100 small and medium industries in Belagavi and nearby regions of Maharashtra have adopted biomass systems. Many businesses that had previously shifted away from biomass have now returned due to the LPG shortage.
“The demand we’ve seen in the past 10 days equals what we received over the last 10 years,” Kanabargi said, adding that his factory is currently operating in three shifts to keep up with orders.
Biomass fuel, which costs around ₹5–₹7 per kg in urban areas and is often free in rural regions, offers a significant cost advantage. Around 3 kg of biomass produces heat equivalent to 1 kg of LPG, making it 40–50% cheaper overall. Businesses using these systems report recovering their investment within 30 to 100 days.
Local hotel owners are already seeing benefits. “We used to rely on two LPG cylinders daily, but now we save around ₹600 per day with biomass stoves,” said Dayanand Appayyanavarmath, owner of Shri Basaveshwara Khanavali.
Kanabargi, known for his long-standing association with institutions like IIT, IISc, and TERI, has developed and deployed several innovative energy solutions over the years, including equipment for the Indian Army and BSF.
As fuel shortages persist, his work highlights the growing potential of sustainable, locally available energy alternatives in reducing dependency on imported fuels.
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