Safe garbage disposal and adequate power supply might be two separate issues for the administration but for the Swedish team that was recently in town, both requirements go hand-in-hand. Waste generated in every nook and corner of the city can be effectively used to generate electricity sufficient for the city’s needs by using green technology.
After a careful study of the city, the members observed that electric power potential is 36 MW from the city’s waste. “Unlike in Europe, the waste in Hyderabad has less moisture and is mostly dry. This makes it easily burnable,” said N.V. Ramani, member of the delegation and owner of Green technologies Promotion Sweden AB.
“On an average, 4,000 tonne of waste is produced in the city. 2,000 tonne is organic and about 500 tonne is reusable or recyclable. The remaining 1,500 tonne of burnable waste can be used to generate power,” he said. Mr. Ramani was part of the three-member delegation from Sweden, who will be submitting a proposal to the State government.
Vector-borne diseases, caused by flies thriving on garbage, will be a thing of the past if the government goes ahead with the plan. The proposed plant, which is scalable, will require an investment of Rs. 1,500 crore and about 30 acres of land. The other representatives from Sweco (Sweden based company) will offer expert help in all aspects of the proposed project.
‘Waste to Energy’ principle The ‘Waste to Energy’ principle is simple as the municipal waste is burnt to generate heat energy which in turn boils water, resulting in steam generation that runs a turbine. Since burning Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in the open is highly dangerous as toxic fumes are let out in the atmosphere, an air pollution control is attached to the incinerator. The Air Pollution Control System (APCS), a section of the plant, purifies the by-products and rids it of toxins before it is released.
“When the technology is so successful in Sweden and other European countries, I see no reason why it will not work here,” said Mr. Ramani, who completed his graduation from the city. “There is a need to segregate organic and non-organic waste at source. From organic (food) waste and sewerage sludge, we can produce bio-diesel to run vehicles. It is a common practice in Sweden and other EU countries.”
Incineration plants have helped Sweden address power issues while eliminating oil and coal based power production. By-products like metals are sold commercially and bottom ash collected is being used for making pre-fabricated bricks and laying roads. Excess heat generated during the incineration process is used to supply hot water for domestic purposes, according to the team.
