Kochi: In a major achievement in the solid waste treatment sector, compressed biogas (CBG) plant at Brahmapuram is set to start its operations. Construction of the plant will be completed by the end of March, and trial run will begin in the first week of April, said a source.
Initially, the plant will have a capacity to treat 150 tonnes of biodegradable waste a day, and it can be enhanced to 300 tonnes per day. "It is for the first time in the state that such a major decentralized plant with effective technology is being started," said a top source associated with the construction of the plant. "The capacity is limited to just 150 tonnes per day considering the availability of biodegradable waste," he added.
BPCL Kochi Refinery is constructing the plant on behalf of corporation. Corporation has handed over 10 acres on the solid waste treatment plant premises at Brahmapuram to BPCL for setting up the plant. Sales of compressed biogas generated from the plant will be managed by BPCL Kochi Refinery.
At the same time, one of the major problems during trial run of the plant will be availability of water. Around 100 million litres per day (mld) of water will have to be provided to BPCL for the trial run. Corporation has suggested that BPC draw water from Kadambrayar, which passes by the solid waste treatment plant premises. However, shortage of water in Kadambrayar is an issue.
BPCL approached corporation authorities for setting up a CBG plant at Brahmapuram in 2020. Initially, local body authorities turned down the offer, citing that a waste-to-energy plant was to be established at Brahmapuram. Following a major fire outbreak on the solid waste treatment plant premises on March 2, 2023, corporation and state govt gave nod to set up the plant.
As of now, two black soldier fly (BSF) plants are operating at Brahmapuram. Total capacity of the two plants, which work on a method where black soldier flies decompose biodegradable waste, is 150 tonnes per day. Biomining of legacy waste lying on the waste treatment plant premises is progressing rapidly.