The mountains of garbage that Mumbaikars generate every day will thankfully be put to some use, if the authorities find success in their latest endeavour. Taking a step towards generating electricity and fuel from waste, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to set up biomethanation plants at its dump yards.
The mountains of garbage that Mumbaikars generate every day will thankfully be put to some use, if the authorities find success in their latest endeavour. Taking a step towards generating electricity and fuel from waste, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to set up biomethanation plants at its dump yards.
Biomethanation is a process by which organic material is microbiologically converted under anaerobic conditions to biogas. The civic body has sought expression of interest (EOI) from firms across the globe in this regard. According to the proposal, the BMC will set up the plants at the dumping grounds in Deonar, Kanjur Marg, Mulund and Gorai (non-operational) to produce power and gas.
The corporation is hoping to generate 11 mega watts of power at each of the four grounds. And, nearly half of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport's 4,200-strong bus fleet can be operated on the natural gas gleaned from the plants.
A report compiled by BMC's solid waste management department says that the Gorai dumping ground alone can generate 700 cubic metre of gases per hour. The gases are mainly a mix of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulphur (S).
"The waste dumped at the yards generates a mixture of gases. The BMC has not been able to make use of the gases as there is no set up to tap them. When we have the plants installed, we will be able to produce electricity and natural gas," a senior civic official said.
The official added that if everything goes as per plan, the corporation should be able to set up the plants over the next eight months. "The agencies bidding for the project will have to suggest technologies, and the one we find the best will be selected," the official said.
Weighing the waste
The city generates around 10,000 metric tonnes of refuse daily. Of this, 7,500 metric tonnes is municipal waste, which can be degraded to produce gas, and the remaining is construction waste. The average per capita per day waste generated in Mumbai is 450 g.
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