A high-level team from the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) recently traveled to Ahmedabad on a special mission. Their goal was to gain first-hand knowledge from a successful municipal solid waste-to-energy project. This visit is a key step in Lucknow's plan to build its own sustainable waste management solution.
Delegation Aims for Knowledge Exchange
The delegation was headed by Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal. She was accompanied by Deputy Mayor Charanjeet Gandhi and Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr. Arvind Kumar Rao. Several corporators and senior officials were also part of this capacity-building tour. The team met with officials from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) who operate the advanced facility.
Inside Ahmedabad's Waste-to-Power Facility
During a detailed site inspection, the AMC officials explained the plant's workings to the Lucknow team. The facility is a large-scale operation, processing approximately 1,000 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste every day. The technology at its core is the Martin Reverse Grate firing system.
Here is how the plant converts trash into electricity:
- Segregated waste is used to produce Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF).
- This RDF is combusted in the grate system, generating about 65 tonnes of steam per hour.
- The high-pressure steam drives a 15-megawatt turbine to produce electricity.
The project was developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with an estimated investment of Rs 375 crore. It is spread across a 14-acre site.
Feasibility Study for Lucknow
The LMC delegation thoroughly examined the project's technical specifications, financial structure, and environmental impact. This assessment is crucial to determine the feasibility of implementing a similar model in Lucknow. The team gathered data on operational challenges, revenue models, and compliance standards.
Mayor Sushma Kharkwal emphasized the civic body's commitment to transforming Lucknow. "We are dedicated to making Lucknow a clean and sustainable city," she stated. "A waste-to-energy plant is essential to achieve this goal, and we are targeting its establishment by 2026."
This initiative marks a significant move towards solving Lucknow's waste management issues while generating clean energy. The insights from Ahmedabad will help shape a tailored and efficient project for the Uttar Pradesh capital.
