Kochi: After months of trial runs, the compressed biogas (CBG) plant at Brahmapuram has commenced treating 90 tonnes of garbage daily and generating methane. Kochi corporation authorities announced that the plant will soon handle around 150 tonnes per day, which is the target for the first phase.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the plant on February 27. The quantity of waste processed daily will be gradually increased until it reaches the optimal 150-tonne limit.
"Once the plant reaches its daily capacity of 150 tonnes, we will be able to use the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) plants to treat garbage from neighboring local bodies. This will reduce our expenditure on waste treatment," said Mayor V K Minimol.
"According to reports we have received, methane generation, which is the plant's output, has started. However, as per the existing agreement with BPCL Kochi Refinery, the corporation will not receive any revenue share from the sale of methane. But we do not have to pay BPCL Kochi Refinery for treating our waste," Minimol added.
A Kochi corporation official stated that the plant is likely to achieve its 150-tonne target by June, barring adversities such as heavy and prolonged rain.
Methane (CH4) will constitute only 50% of the gas generated from waste treatment, with carbon dioxide and other gases making up the remainder. These components must be separated to produce 97% methane. The plan is to enhance daily waste treatment to 300 tonnes in a phased manner.
BPCL Kochi Refinery has established the CBG plant on 10 acres of land at the corporation's solid waste treatment facility in Brahmapuram.
