{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Infobox scientist | name = Dr. Ram Bux Singh | image = | image_size = | caption = Dr. Ram Bux Singh along with his fellow scientist Preben Maegaard, Denmark (in the center, wearing a black blazer) | birth_name = Dr. Ram Bux Singh | birth_date = 13 August 1925<ref name=FamPer/> | birth_place = Ramnagar, Ramkot, [[Sitapur district|Sitapur]], [[Lucknow division]], [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh]], [[British Raj|Bristish India]]<ref name=FamPer/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://visuallive.in/News/approval-to-release-special-commemorative-postage-stamp-in-memory-of-dr-ram-bux-singh |title=डॉ. राम बक्स सिंह की स्मृति में विशेष स्मारक डाक टिकट जारी करने की स्वीकृति |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref> | death_date = 18 September 2016<ref name=FamPer/> | death_place = [[Lucknow]], [[Uttar Pradesh]] | fields = Biogas technology, clean fuel, sustainable energy , renewable energy, Anaerobic digestion, Gobar gas plant, Wind energy , solar energy | alma_mater = Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Asia Engineering Institute, Delhi, India<ref name=FamPer/> PG in [[Mechanical engineering|Mechanical Engineering]] from Pacific Western University, California, US<ref name=FamPer/> [[Master of Applied Science]] Doctor of Technological Philosophy<ref name=FamPer/> }}
Dr. '''Ram Bux Singh''' (13 August 1925 - 18 September 2016<ref name=FamPer/>) was an Indian scientist, author<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/sitapur/four-books-found-a-place-in-the-national-library-sitapur-news-c-102-1-slko1052-142138-2025-10-12 |title=Sitapur News: चार पुस्तकों को मिला नेशनल लाइब्रेरी में स्थान |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref> and pioneer in [[biogas]] and [[renewable energy]]. He is best known for inaugurating one of India's earliest successful [[Cow dung|Gobar Gas]] plant ([[Biogas|Biogas Plant]]) on 9 September 1957 in Ramnagar, [[Sitapur district]], [[Uttar Pradesh]].<ref name=PCBOG>{{cite web |url=https://nexusofgood.com/pioneering-contribution-in-the-field-of-bio-gas-technology-by-globally-renowned-indian-scientist/ |title=Pioneering Contribution in the field of ''Bio-gas Technology'' by Globally Renowned Indian Scientist |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref><ref name=FOBG>{{cite web |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/sitapur/adveniagrant/news/centenary-celebration-of-dr-ram-baksh-singh-the-father-of-biogas-135670986.html |title=Centenary Celebration Of Dr. Ram Baksh Singh, The Father Of Biogas |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref> The inauguration was attended by Shri [[Govind Narain]], ICS Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Government. This plant, distinguished by its unique design and functionality, marked the beginning of a new era in [[sustainable energy]]. His work significantly advanced biogas technology in India. In addition to his contributions in India, Singh played a key role in the global adoption of biogas. In 1972, he helped establish the first gobar gas plant in the [[United States]].<ref name=PCBOG/><ref name="OdishaRay2025-08-14">{{cite web |url=https://www.odisharay.com/pages/single_page.php?id=49714 |title=Special Feature on 100th birth anniversary of Dr. Ram Bux Singh |date=14 August 2025 |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref> He also served as a consultant to the [[United Nations]], contributing to renewable energy projects in over fifteen countries, including the US, [[Germany]], and [[Denmark]].<ref name=bioacs>{{cite web |url=https://inforse.org/europe/word_docs/s_pm_bio.doc |title=Biogas - a Coming Success |first1=Preben |last1=Maegaard |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref> Dr. Singh authored several influential works on biogas technology.<ref name=NAOI>{{cite web |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1961290®=3&lang=2 |title=National Archives of India acquires the valuable collection of acclaimed Bio-gas Scientist Dr. Ram Bux Singh |date=27 September 2023 |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgXYjka0wH8 |publisher=DD Morning Show |title=Dr. Ram Bux Singh, Inventor: Bio-Gas, Death Anniversary |website=www.youtube.com |date=18 September 2025 |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://books.google.co.in/books/about/Bio_gas_plant_generating_methane_from_or.html?id=1zCzjwEACAAJ&redir_esc=y |title=Bio-gas Plant: Generating Methane from Organic Wastes |first1=Ram Bux |last1=Singh |publisher=Gobar Gas Research Station |date=1974}}</ref>
==Early life and education== Ram Bux Singh was born on 13 August 1925<ref name=FamPer/> in the village of Ramnagar [[Sitapur district|Sitapur]], [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh]], then part of the [[British Raj]].<ref name=NAOI/> He completed his early education up to the 12th grade at the local village school in Sitapur. Where he lived a normal life in a middle-class family.<ref name=FamPer>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.s3waas.gov.in/s3cfecdb276f634854f3ef915e2e980c31/uploads/2024/03/2024031480.pdf |title=Brief description of world famous scientist Dr. Ram Bux Singh ji |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref> During his formative years, he developed an interest in science and sustainable energy practices, influenced by the rural environment around him.<ref name=PSDRBS>{{cite web |url=https://www.livehindustan.com/uttar-pradesh/sitapur/story-pioneering-scientist-dr-ram-bux-singh-honored-for-biogas-innovations-100th-anniversary-celebrations-planned-201723398507038.html#google_vignette |title=Pioneering Scientist Dr Ram Bux Singh Honored for Biogas Innovations 100th Anniversary Celebrations Planned |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref> Singh observed traditional rural practices involving [[cow dung]] and noted that when organic waste such as dung was allowed to decompose in a closed environment, it produced [[methane]] gas. He recognized that this gas could be collected and used as a source of fuel for cooking.<ref name=MENRBS>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.motherearthnews.com/sustainable-living/nature-and-environment/ram-bux-singh-zmaz72ndztak/ |title=Plowboy Interview: Ram Bux Singh on Turning Waste into Biogas |magazine=[[Mother Earth News]] |access-date=31 January 2026 |date=1 November 1972 |issue=18 |volume=November/December 1972 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522132656/https://www.motherearthnews.com/sustainable-living/nature-and-environment/ram-bux-singh-zmaz72ndztak/ |archive-date=22 May 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> These early observations helped shape his understanding of [[renewable energy]] derived from [[Green waste|biological waste]] and later influenced his work in the development of biogas technology.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kamarajiasacademy.com/current-affairs/bio-gas |title=Bio-gas |date=28 September 2023 |access-date=2 February 2026 |publisher=Kamaraj IAS Academy}}</ref><ref name=UGOBD>{{cite web |url=https://www.ircwash.org/sites/default/files/352.1-84UP-3638.pdf |title=Updated Guidebook on Biogas Development |date=1984 |publisher=[[United Nations]] |location=New York City |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref>
For his higher education, Singh pursued a diploma in [[mechanical engineering]] from the Asia Engineering Institute in [[New Delhi]], India.<ref name=FamPer/> He then continued his studies internationally, earning a postgraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from [[California Miramar University|Pacific Western University]] in [[California]], United States.<ref name=FamPer/><ref name=UGOBD/>
In addition to his postgraduate studies, Singh obtained a [[Master of Applied Science]] and a Doctor of Technological Philosophy degree, further deepening his expertise in the field of renewable energy. Throughout his educational journey, Singh's focus remained on developing sustainable energy solutions, which later became the cornerstone of his pioneering work in biogas technology.<ref name=FamPer/><ref name=UGOBD/>
He established his first experimental biogas plant in Ramnagar in 1957. This was later visited by then [[Union Council of Ministers|Union Minister]], [[S. K. Dey]], and the chief secretary of [[Uttar Pradesh]], IAS Govindnarayan,<ref name="Hindi News 2024-01-16">{{cite web |url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/metro/lucknow/development/who-was-bio-gas-scientist-dr-ram-bux-singh/articleshow/106875097.cms |title=कौन थे बायो गैस के जनक डॉ राम बक्स सिंह? वैश्विक मंच पर छोड़ी अमिट छाप, भारत रत्न देने की उठी मांग |publisher=[[The Times of India]] |date=16 January 2024}}</ref> after which he started getting government support.<ref name=FOBG/><ref name=PCBOG/>
He later met an [[Community development block|block development officer]] named D. S. Sisodiya (later director of training institute, [[Uttarakhand]]) with whom he moved to Chinnat, [[Lucknow]]. He worked in cookery sector to make money for his projects.<ref name=YTBIOGAS>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Joi-8k8PCqk |title=Biogas जनक डॉ. रामबक्श सिंह की 100वीं जयंती पर उपलब्धियों को 101 साल के साथी दलबीर सिंह ने किया साझा |website=wwww.youtube.com |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref>
==Gobar Gas Research Station, Ajitmal==
He worked in the Planning, Research and Action Division (PRAD) of the State Planning Institute in U.P. The Gobar Gas Research Station at [[Babarpur Ajitmal|Ajitmal]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://downloads.unido.org/ot/48/06/4806876/00001-10000_09773.pdf |title=Biogas Technology in Mexico |access-date=31 January 2026 |date=19 June 1980 |location=[[Beijing]], China}}</ref> located in present-day [[Auraiya district|Auraiya]] (formerly part of [[Etawah district]]), Uttar Pradesh, was established as one of the earliest organized research facilities in Asia dedicated to biogas and methane production from organic waste.<ref name="closedworlds">{{cite web |url=https://www.closed-worlds.com/gobar-bio-gas |title=Can Cow Dung Fuel Your Home? |website=closed-worlds.com |date=1972 |first1=Ram Bux |last1=Singh |access-date=2 February 2026}}</ref> The station is associated with the work of Ram Bux Singh, who served as its officer-in-charge for many years alongside his friend, D.S. Sisodia, who was a bureaucratic officer there.<ref name="YTBIOGAS" /><ref name="Bio-gas plant">{{cite web |url=https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/1758072 |title=Bio-gas plant : generating methane from organic wastes |date=1974 |first1=Ram Bux |last1=Singh |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref>
Experimental biogas plants were developed at the Ajitmal site to study the production of [[methane]] from [[cow dung]] and other agricultural residues. These installations were designed to examine digestive performance, gas yield, and practical applications for rural energy needs.<ref name="bioacs" /> During Singh's tenure, the biogas plant at Ajitmal was stabilized and made fully operational in 1960, allowing for sustained experimentation and demonstration activities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blog.anaerobic-digestion.com/gobar-gas-benefits/ |title=Gobar Gas the Benefits of Gas from Dung |access-date=2 February 2026 |date=4 March 2023 |website=blog.anaerobic-digestion.com}}</ref>
The research station functioned as both a scientific and demonstration centre, receiving visits from engineers, scientists, policymakers, and international delegates interested in non-conventional energy.<ref name="closedworlds" /> The facility also attracted national attention; among its notable visitors was [[V. V. Giri]], Ex. [[President of India]], whose visit reflected the growing institutional interest in biogas research during that period.<ref name="PCBOG" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://thelucknowtribune.org/special-feature-on-the-100th-birth-anniversary-of-dr-ram-bux-singh/ |title=Special Feature on the 100th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Ram Bux Singh |date=14 August 2025 |access-date=2 February 2026 |first1=Anil |last1=Jaiswal |publisher=The Lucknow Tribune}}</ref>
The work conducted at the Ajitmal research station contributed to early biogas development efforts in India and informed later [[renewable energy]] and rural fuel programs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://agris.fao.org/search/en/providers/122535/records/65de12cd0f3e94b9e5ca6d91 |title=Bio-gas plant |first1=Ram Bux |last1=Singh |publisher=Gobar Gas Research Station |date=1974}}</ref> The station is regarded as an important early example of applied research in decentralized and sustainable energy systems.<ref name="Bio-gas plant" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.build-a-biogas-plant.com/PDF/RunningBiogasProg.pdf |title=Running a Biogas Programme: A Handbook |first1=David |last1=Fulford |date=1988 |publisher=Intermediate Technology Publications |access-date=31 January 2026}}</ref>
==Work in rural India== Dr. Ram Bux Singh was involved in biogas-related activities in rural areas of India.<ref name="FOBG" /> His work focused on the application of biogas systems using organic waste for basic household and agricultural energy needs. These activities formed part of broader efforts to study decentralized energy options in rural settings.<ref name="PSDRBS" />
== Innovations in Biogas and Sustainable Energy == Dr. Singh's time with the GAS COUNCIL IN [[London|LONDON]] ([[United Kingdom|UNITED KINGDOM]]) led to the development of innovative Gobar Gas burners and stoves. His insights revolutionized waste management and fuel production methods. Additionally, he observed the construction of over 200 low-cost [[Biogas digesters|Biogas Digesters]] and Waste Processors designed to convert plant and [[Manure|animal waste]] into manure fertilizer and methane for fuel. His work gained international recognition through publications like ''[[Whole Earth Catalog|The Whole Earth Catalog]]'', ''[[Mother Earth News]]'', and ''Architectural Design''. Despite efficiency challenges—such as lower energy content in methane due to the dry nature of Indian cow manure—his contributions laid the foundation for sustainable rural energy solutions in India and beyond.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GOBAR BIO-GAS |url=https://www.closed-worlds.com/gobar-bio-gas |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=closedworlds |language=en}}</ref>
In 1974, Singh published ''Biogas Plant: Generating Methane from Organic Wastes'', brought out by the Gobar Gas Research Station, Ajitmal (then [[Etawah]] district), Uttar Pradesh. The book presents a comprehensive treatment of biogas technology, covering the scientific background of anaerobic digestion, the working principles of biogas plants, design parameters, multiple plant designs, and practical guidance on construction, operation, and utilization of biogas and slurry. Because of its detailed technical coverage and practical orientation, the work has been described by some authors and practitioners as the “bible” of biogas technology and it is held in the collection of the [[Library of Congress|United States Library of Congress]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=3-Cubic Meter Biogas Plant |url=https://www.echocommunity.org/resources/029bfe2a-cf4b-49bb-b8bf-bb481175d3f1 |access-date=2026-02-10 |website=ECHOcommunity |language=en}}</ref>
==Work in the United States== Ram Bux Singh was associated with early efforts related to biogas technology in the United States during the early 1970s.<ref name="MENRBS" /> His work occurred in the context of growing interest in alternative energy sources and the utilization of organic waste for fuel.<ref name="Hindi News 2024-01-16" />
In June 1972, a biogas plant, with which Singh was technically involved, was inaugurated in the United States. The inauguration of his first Gobar Gas Plant was attended by [[United States Senate|Senator]] [[Mike Gravel]] from [[Alaska]]. Available sources describe the installation as an early example of a functional biogas system in the country.<ref name="NAOI" /> His role included providing technical input on plant operation and assisting in achieving stable methane production under local conditions.<ref name="OdishaRay2025-08-14" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motherearthnews.com/sustainable-living/renewable-energy/methane-production-zmaz80mazraw/ |title=Methane Production: The Rural Gasification Project's Biogas Workshop |date=22 April 2012 |access-date=31 January 2026 |publisher=[[Mother Earth News]]}}</ref>
During this period, D.Singh interacted with individuals and groups engaged in [[renewable energy]] research.<ref name="FamPer" /> His work was referenced in discussions and publications related to biogas and non-conventional energy systems. These activities contributed to early awareness and experimentation with biogas technology in the United States.<ref name="PSDRBS" />
He also showed the working of a [[solar energy]] biogas plant at that time.
In an editorial published in January 2016, environmental scholar [[Rajendra K. Pachauri|R. K. Pachauri]]—then Director-General of The Energy and Resources Institute ([[The Energy and Resources Institute|TERI]]) and former Chairman of the [[Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]] (IPCC)—recalled his interactions during the early 1970s while pursuing doctoral studies in the United States with U.S. Senator [[Gaylord Nelson]], a pioneer of environmental policy. Pachauri noted that Senator Nelson had met Ram Bux Singh, at the time an employee of the Government of Uttar Pradesh and a promoter of biogas technology on a large scale in India, and had appended a write-up describing Singh's work to a bill submitted to the [[United States Congress]] seeking funding for biogas research and technology dissemination. The account situates Singh's early biogas initiatives within broader international environmental and [[Climate change|climate]]-policy discussions that later informed global efforts, including those led by the IPCC, which under Pachauri's chairmanship was awarded the [[Nobel Peace Prize]] in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://terragreen.teriin.org/popup.php?section_id=2485&category_id=15 |access-date=2026-02-10 |website=terragreen.teriin.org}}</ref>
His work was also acknowledged by the UNITED STATES SENATE “ Special references were made about his work had been a topic of discussions in U.S. Congress Senate Select Committee on Small Business PROCEEDING<ref>{{Cite book |last=Business |first=United States Congress Senate Select Committee on Small |url=https://books.google.co.in/books?id=pgs2AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA5584&lpg=PA5584&dq=ram+bux+singh+first+gobar+gas+plant&source%20page%20no.%205581,5582,5584%20and%205587%20%E2%80%9C%20and%20https://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/columnists/action-not-symbolism-will-save-planet-earth.html |title=Hearings, Reports and Prints of the Senate Select Committee on Small Business |date=1975 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |language=en}}</ref>
An article in ''Mother Earth News'' described Singh as “perhaps the father of methane development in the United States,” reflecting his early involvement in biogas experimentation and knowledge exchange during the [[1970s energy crisis]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Methane Production: The Rural Gasification Project's Biogas Workshop {{!}} Mother Earth News |url=https://www.motherearthnews.com/sustainable-living/renewable-energy/methane-production-zmaz80mazraw/print/ |access-date=2026-02-10 |website=www.motherearthnews.com}}</ref>
==United Nations consultancy and international work==
Singh was associated with international activities related to biogas and renewable energy<ref name="Hindi News 2024-01-16" /> during the mid to late 20th century, a period when non-conventional energy systems were being examined by governments and international organizations for rural and agricultural use.<ref name="PCBOG" />
He was associated with biogas-related projects connected to the [[United Nations]], where he worked in a consultative and technical capacity.<ref name="FOBG" /> His involvement included providing technical observations and inputs related to the design, operation, and adaptation of biogas plants intended for use in agricultural and rural environments.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sasse |first1=Ludwig |date=1988 |title=Biogas Plants |url=https://www.susana.org/_resources/documents/default/2-1799-biogasplants.pdf |access-date=31 January 2026 |publisher=Deutsches Zentrum für Entwicklungstechnologien - GATE in: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH}}</ref> The work primarily addressed operational factors such as digester performance, organic feedstock use, and system functioning under varying climatic conditions.<ref name="OdishaRay2025-08-14" />
In addition to activities linked to the [[United Nations]], Singh was involved in biogas-related work in multiple countries. These included the United States, Germany, Denmark, [[Canada]], [[Iran]], [[Mexico]], and [[Costa Rica]], among others.<ref name="FamPer" /> His role in these settings generally consisted of technical consultation, participation in discussions on biogas systems, and involvement with pilot or demonstration installations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cow Protection |url=https://iscowp.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/cow_protection_book.pdf |access-date=31 January 2026 |publisher=[[International Society for Krishna Consciousness|ISKCON]] Ministry of Cow Protection and Agriculture}}</ref>
Singh's international engagements formed part of broader efforts during that period to study and apply biogas technology in different regional contexts.<ref>{{cite web |date=2023 |title=Photo Gallery |url=https://naidev.businesstowork.com/photo-gallery |access-date=2 February 2026 |publisher=[[National Archives of India]]}}</ref> His work contributed to technical exchanges concerning methane production from organic waste across national and institutional settings.<ref name="PSDRBS" />
He once presented his research at the [[White House]], [[Washington D.C.]]
== Philatelic Recognition == During the [[Philately|Philatelic]] Advisory Committee meeting held on 26 November 2024 in New Delhi, the proposal to issue a '''[[Commemorative stamp|Commemorative Postage Stamp]]''' in honor of Dr. Singh on the occasion of his centenary birth celebration (13.08.2025) was graciously approved. This recognition underscores the profound impact of Dr. Singh's contributions to renewable energy and his enduring legacy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wayback Machine |url=https://postagestamps.gov.in/pdf/2024/Minutes%20of%20the%20PAC%20held%20on%2026.11.2024.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250621181007/https://postagestamps.gov.in/pdf/2024/Minutes%20of%20the%20PAC%20held%20on%2026.11.2024.pdf |archive-date=2025-06-21 |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=postagestamps.gov.in}}</ref>
== Momentous Acquisition by the National Archives of India == On 26 September 2023, the [[National Archives of India]], under [[Ministry of Culture (India)|Ministry of Culture]] , Government of India''',''' acquired a priceless collection representing Dr. Singh's remarkable work. This acquisition underscores the contributions of the Pioneering scientist. Dr. Singh's collection, now housed in the National Archives, not only cements his legacy but also inspires future generations. This recognition by a national archival institution pays homage to a scientist. The digitization of invaluable archival collection has been successfully completed by National Archieve of India. These historic records are now freely accessible worldwide via the Abhilekh Patal portal. <ref>{{Cite web |title=National Archives of India acquires the valuable collection of acclaimed Bio-gas Scientist Dr. Ram Bux Singh |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1961290 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240525114603/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1961290 |archive-date=2024-05-25 |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>
== Sitapur District NIC website == Dr. Singh's birthplace is [[Sitapur district|Sitapur]], and his significant contributions to science are a matter of pride for the district. It is noteworthy that the district's official government website also acknowledges Dr. Singh's remarkable achievements, underscoring the importance of honoring his legacy at both local and national levels.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Famous Personalities {{!}} District Sitapur, Government of Uttar Pradesh {{!}} India |url=https://sitapur.nic.in/famous-personalities/ |access-date=2026-02-08 |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Later years and death== He spent his later years in his native village (Ramnagar, Sitapur) spending his life in nature. He died at age of 91 on 18 September 2016, in [[Lucknow]] while suffering a double [[dengue fever]].
==Gallery== {{Gallery | title = Dr. Ram Bux Singh | |Dr. Singh's solar energy biogas plant | |Dr. Ram Bux Singh, chairing a workshop of the UN | |Dr. Singh teaching about the production of biogas | |Dr. Singh At the UNO headquarters alongside his friend, D. S. Sisodia | |An article on Dr. Singh in the [[National Herald]] }}
==References== {{reflist}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Singh, Ram Bux}} [[Category:1925 births]] [[Category:2016 deaths]] [[Category:20th-century Indian scientists]]