Kochi: Kochi has taken a significant step towards sustainable waste management with the trial run of its newly constructed compressed biogas (CBG) plant in Brahmapuram. The plant, designed to convert 150 tonnes of food waste into biogas daily, has begun operations with the first of its two bio-digesters now functional. The second bio-digester is expected to be completed shortly, reports Mathrubhumi.
To initiate the trial, cow dung has been used as feedstock in the bio-digester over the past two days. By the end of April, the plant will transition to processing food waste, marking the start of full-scale gas production. The biogas generated will be transported to Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) through a dedicated pipeline.
The Kochi Municipality provided BPCL with 10 acres of land adjacent to its existing site, acquired from Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT), at no cost. The project, announced in November 2023, saw rapid progress with construction permits secured through a streamlined single-window clearance system. Despite an initial timeline of 18 months, the plant was completed six months ahead of schedule, with an investment of approximately ₹80 crore.
Originally, BPCL had proposed a ₹25 crore corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative for a windrow compost plant, following a request from the Kochi Mayor. However, after government intervention, the plan was expanded to construct the larger CBG plant, which promises greater environmental and economic benefits.
In addition to the CBG plant, two new bio-segregation facilities (BSF) have been completed and are now operational in Brahmapuram. These facilities will process organic waste as part of the municipality’s broader initiative to scientifically manage 300 tonnes of food waste daily.
Once fully operational, the project is expected to provide a sustainable, long-term solution to the waste management challenges faced by Kochi and its neighbouring municipalities and panchayats. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to promote cleaner and more efficient waste processing methods.
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