The compressed biogas (CBG) plant at BPCL Kochi Refinery is expected to be completed by February, a month earlier than originally scheduled, assuming current progress continues, reported The Hindu.
Officials from Kochi Refinery are optimistic about completing the plant by January, with the latest deadline being February. Initially, the plan was to finish construction by December and commence operations by March. Despite heavy rainfall in the Brahmapuram area in recent weeks slowing down work, officials confirm the project remains on track and may even be completed ahead of schedule. Rainfall has particularly affected leveling and related activities at the Brahmapuram site, according to refinery officials involved in the plant setup.
Interestingly, construction of the plant began without any ceremony or inauguration due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct following the notification of General Elections.
Currently, foundation-laying work for the digesters at the plant is underway. Digesters are tanks where organic waste breaks down to produce biogas. The Brahmapuram plant will feature two large digesters. Civil work at the site is set to commence next week, with officials anticipating around 30 workers on site daily once operations are at full capacity.
BPCL Kochi Refinery has undertaken the ₹80-crore project independently, using biogas generated on-site for operations at its Ambalamedu campus. The Kochi Corporation’s role will be to supply segregated waste to the plant site. A tripartite agreement between the Corporation, Refinery, and State government was signed to facilitate the plant’s establishment.
