In a significant development for waste management in the Kochi region, the 150 TPD Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant at Brahmapuram, which is nearing completion, will now also process waste from neighboring local bodies in addition to the Kochi corporation area, reported The New Indian Express.
The plant, which has the capacity to treat 150 tonnes of biodegradable waste daily, is expected to be completed by the end of March. Initially, the plant was set up by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) to handle waste exclusively from the Kochi Corporation area, with an investment of Rs 90 crore. However, a recent decision has expanded the scope of the project to include waste from surrounding local bodies, such as Thrikkakara, Kalamassery, and Eloor, to ensure a steady supply of waste for the plant’s operations.
BPCL sources confirmed that continuous feed of degradable waste is essential for the plant’s efficient functioning, and the inclusion of waste from nearby local bodies will help meet this requirement.
The Kochi Corporation has provided nearly 10 acres of land for the construction of the facility, which BPCL is developing independently. As per the agreement, the corporation will be able to dispose of biodegradable waste at no cost, while BPCL will use the biogas produced for operations at its Oil Refinery in Ambalamugal.
“The construction of the plant is progressing as scheduled and will be completed by the end of March. A seven-meter wide access road has also been constructed for the site. The land will remain under the ownership of the corporation, with BPCL’s possession limited to the project’s duration. The corporation benefits by being able to dispose of waste free of charge, while BPCL will cover all other costs,” said a senior health official from the Kochi Corporation.
Currently, the corporation generates around 240 tonnes of biowaste daily. With facilities like the Black Soldier Fly plants by FABCOO and Zigma, they can treat up to 100 tonnes of food waste. The addition of the 150-TPD CBG plant will help dispose of the remaining waste, bringing the corporation closer to its goal of zero waste for biowaste.
In addition to the Kochi plant, BPCL is also in discussions with the Local Self-Government Department to establish similar CBG plants in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. “We have had discussions with the LSGD, and the Minutes of Meeting have been approved by the cabinet. The government has agreed to provide the necessary land for both projects,” a BPCL official said.
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