Kochi's biogas plant trial converts 150 tonnes of waste

Kochi has started a trial run for a new biogas plant in Brahmapuram. The plant is designed to convert 150 tonnes of food waste into gas. Currently, the first phase, which includes one bio-digester, is operational. The second bio-digester is expected to be ready soon. For the trial, cow dung has been used in the bio-digester for the past two days. By the end of April, the plant will begin processing food waste, which will produce biogas. This gas will be sent to Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) through a special pipeline. BPCL received 10 acres of land from Kochi Municipality to support this project. The necessary permits were obtained quickly through a streamlined process. The project was announced in November 2023 and construction began in March 2024. It was completed six months ahead of schedule, with a total cost of about ₹80 crore. Initially, BPCL planned a smaller project for a windrow compost plant. However, after discussions with the government, it was decided to build the larger biogas plant. Additionally, two bio-segregation facilities have opened in Brahmapuram to process organic waste. The municipality aims to manage 300 tonnes of food waste daily in the area. This initiative is expected to help solve Kochi's waste management problems in the long run.