The Hindu : Front Page : Tiruneermalai can now use biogas for streetlights

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Monday, Jul 09, 2007
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Tiruneermalai can now use biogas for streetlights

T .Madhavan

A trial run was conducted successfully on Saturday

— Photo: A.Muralitharan

INNOVATIVE: A biogas-powered streetlight system being tested in Durga Nagar, Tiruneermalai, near Chennai.

CHENNAI: A trial run of the biogas-powered streetlight project of the Tiruneermalai town panchayat was successfully conducted on Saturday evening.

Under the non-conventional energy project of the town panchayat, human waste from 240 dwelling units in the TNHB Colony in Durga Nagar is collected in a sump.

The ‘methane’ gas generated from the sludge is used to operate a generator and consequently the power is used for streetlights.

On Saturday, officials and elected representatives were present when the streetlights were switched on.

Seven sodium vapour lamps and five tubelights were operated and their functioning has been satisfactory, said people associated with the project.

A. Mohan of Sundaram Fabricators, to whom the project has been assigned, said the model would be ideal for multi-storied apartments.

The company has installed similar systems at three villages in Namakkal and in seven villages in Salem. While generators in the villages run on dual fuel system (80 per cent gas and 20 per cent diesel), in Tiruneermalai it runs entirely on biogas, Mr. Mohan said.

“Biogas energy generated from sanitary complexes can be utilised … it would reduce electricity charges,” said Mr. R. Devadoss, executive officer of the town panchayat.

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