The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Waste-to-energy plant powers streetlights

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Tuesday, Sep 28, 2010
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Waste-to-energy plant powers streetlights

K. Manikandan

The methane gas generated from waste powers a generator producing electricity

TAMBARAM: A unique project of operating streetlights with power generated from kitchen waste has been implemented in Shankar Nagar, Pammal Municipality, a southern suburb.

Mangalam Balasubramanian of Exnora Green Pammal said the waste-to-energy plant was set up on land donated by a realtor and built with Rs.20 lakh donated by Husky Injection Molding Systems and London-based SAM Foundation.

Giving details of the project, Ms.Mangalam said kitchen waste, including meat, from homes, canteens, hostels and restaurants were collected and dumped in a pre-digester. The decomposition results in a liquid slurry that is collected in separate chambers.

The methane gas generated here is collected in a balloon chamber and then transported to a smaller tank. The gas now powers a generator resulting in production of electricity. The liquid slurry would be treated and re-used. At present, enough power is generated for 50 streetlights on a couple of streets and they could burn for five hours in the evening, Ms. Mangalam said. She added that the power generation capacity could be scaled up. The streets also have lights operated with power from the TNEB.

They were planning to run night schools for underprivileged children. Officials of the Department of Municipal Administration and Water Supply visited the plant and expressed their desire to support the project. Such plants using bio methanation process could be successful in market areas, Ms. Mangalam added.

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