Kerala - Kochi   

Proposal to generate power from waste

Staff Reporter

UNIDO representative holds discussion with Kochi Corporation officials

KOCHI: Power from waste is the latest initiative aimed at tackling the burgeoning heaps of municipal waste. Walter Danner, a German expert, is in Kerala to explore the possibility of setting up a few plants at the behest of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

Mr. Danner is expected to submit a report within a fortnight to the UNIDO on the possibilities of setting up demonstration/miniature plants that use biomass after studying the waste and climatic conditions of the State.

Power plants that use the technology developed by Mr. Danner have been successfully installed in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Germany, said V.K. Damodaran, a consultant of UNIDO and former Director of the State Science Technology and Environment Department.

One of the advantages of the plants that use the technology developed by Mr. Danner is that even small units would be economically viable against the general perception that only mega units would be financially feasible, Mr. Damodaran said.

The technology is environment-friendly and best suited to tackle waste.

The UNIDO is keen to have at least two to three demo plants set up in the State for showcasing its effectiveness and a plant can be set up in six months.

The advocates of the technology are looking forward to setting up demonstration plants that can handle 10 to 20 tonnes of waste a day. The model is not capital-intensive and can be replicated in suitable versions if found successful, Mr. Damodaran said.

Minor changes may have to be incorporated in the plants depending on the climatic conditions and nature of waste generated in different parts, he said.

Mr. Danner met Mercy Williams, Kochi Mayor, on Tuesday and held discussions on the possibilities of a project in Kochi.

A presentation for Kochi Corporation councillors will be held at the council hall on Thursday at 2 p.m.

This will be followed by a session in Thiruvananthapuram, organised by the UNIDO Regional Centre on November 23 attended by representatives of various related departments, hospital and health personnel and the Kerala State Pollution Control Board.

The team also visited Perumbavoor and Aluva municipalities to explore the possibilities there as well. According to the expert, this technology would suit to treat the rice mill waste in the Kalady area. Even while treating the waste and generating power, heat generated during the process could be used for other activities of the rice mills for which large quantities of heat energy and electricity are required.

The other potential sites targeted by the team include the fishing belt along Kollam-Neendakara stretch, and treating of hospital waste.

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