Kochi: The initiation of the compressed biogas plant (CBG) at the BPCL-Kochi Refineries Centre on the Brahmapuram campus of the Kochi Corporation is scheduled to commence next week, reported The Hindu.
Due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the upcoming general elections, there will be no formal inauguration of the project.
The Punjab-based Centre for Entrepreneurship and Industries Development (CEID), which secured the bid for establishing the plant, has initiated preliminary activities on the campus. Efforts are underway to clean and level the project site to finalize the plant’s layout, with structural design work set to begin shortly. According to officials from the firm, the project’s execution will officially commence next week.
The project was awarded to CEID on March 16. Representatives from the company have already visited the site and begun mobilizing resources for the plant’s setup, as confirmed by sources within the Refineries.
Valued at ₹80 crore, the project is perceived as a lasting solution to the waste management challenges encountered by the Kochi Corporation and adjacent local bodies. Utilizing food waste, the plant will produce CBG, which will then be utilized by the Refineries. Additionally, the bio-manure generated at the plant will be marketed by the company.
BPCL has urged the State government to accelerate the statutory approvals required to commence the work. The Corporation has cleared the accumulated legacy waste at the site. Setting up the plant will necessitate a tripartite agreement between the State government, BPCL-Kochi Refineries, and CEID. CEID has been granted one year to establish the plant, as per an official statement.
Interestingly, the company has requested subsidized power for operating the unit. The Corporation is responsible for supplying the waste required for the project’s operation.
