Thrissur: The Thrissur Municipal Corporation is in the final stages of constructing a Rs 12 crore compressed biogas (CBG) plant that will convert the city’s organic waste into clean fuel and organic fertilisers, with commercial operations targeted to begin by November.
The facility, being built on a two-acre site near the Shaktan bus stand, will process 30 tonnes of biodegradable waste per day collected from markets, hotels, apartment complexes and households. Corporation officials said around 70% of the construction has been completed.
Mayor Niji Justin said the project is expected to be commissioned under the Kerala government’s 100-day programme, with a trial run planned by mid-September. She said the plant has been designed to operate without causing environmental pollution and will support the city’s goal of achieving zero waste.
The project received a further boost after the Corporation council approved Rs 4.7 crore for emergency works, including the installation of a fertiliser packaging unit and a gas cylinder bottling facility required for commercial operations.
The plant will scientifically process organic waste to generate methane, which will be purified, compressed and stored as compressed biogas. The fuel can be used as an alternative to compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles.
According to Corporation estimates, the facility will produce around one tonne of compressed biogas every day from 30 tonnes of organic waste. It is also expected to generate four to six tonnes of organic manure and about 12 kilolitres of liquid fertiliser daily.
The Corporation plans to market the compressed biogas, organic manure and liquid fertiliser under its own brand, creating an additional revenue stream while reducing waste management costs.
Once operational, the plant will process biodegradable waste generated from the Shaktan and Jayhind markets as well as other commercial areas across the city. Civic authorities expect the project to improve waste management, reduce the accumulation of organic waste on streets and help curb the spread of vector-borne diseases.
The Thrissur project will become one of the country’s municipal compressed biogas facilities, following a similar plant already operating at Brahmapuram under the Kochi Corporation, and forms part of the city’s strategy to promote renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions and strengthen circular waste management practices.
