RANCHI: ‘WASTE TO ENERGY’ CONCEPT GETS GREEN SIGNAL

RANCHI: Manufacturing of compressed natural gas (CNG) using biodegradable solid waste is on the cards in the state capital after a failed bid of generating power from municipal solid waste.

The state Cabinet has given the go-ahead to Ranchi Municipal Corporation’s (RMC) proposal of appointing Gas Authority of India limited (GAIL) for the purpose. Soon, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed in this regard with GAIL.

Confirming the development, Ranchi Mayor Asha Lakra on Monday said the appointment will be made on a nomination basis to produce CNG using solid waste. The RMC would lease out an eight-acre plot in Jhiri dumping yard for 22 years free-of-cost, she said.

The mayor said the new plan was conceived last year after ending a contract with Essel Infra.

“We terminated the contract with Essel Infra one year backas it failed miserably to deliver on expected lines,” she said, adding that the company was lifting solid waste only from 23 out of the total 53 wards of RMC.

Detailing the alternative waste to energy plan that was on the anvil, RMC deputy municipal commissioner Shankar Yadav said the 2x150 metric tonne (MT) plant would come up in 18 months after submission of the MoU.

About 600 MT solid waste is generated daily from the 53 wards, which is collected and transferred to nine functional mini transfer stations of RMC in Ranchi. The RMC roped in M/s CDC for primary collection and M/s Zonta, a Bangalore-based company for secondary collection last year after terminating the contract with Essel Infra, Yadav said.

GAIL will be using solid waste to produce CNG and earn carbon credit. About 5,000kg compressed gas and manure could be generated using the municipal solid waste.

The compressed gas will be transferred to gas stations for commercial use thereafter. As per available information, GAIL has plans to come up with two gas stations.