BPCL looks to establish new CBG project for twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad

As Karnataka gains momentum in the direction of ‘waste to energy,’ the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad will soon witness the construction of a compressed biogas (CBG) production plant that will be utilizing wet waste generated in the cities.

Under the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme, state owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has proposed setting up a CBG plant in Hubballi-Dharwad. At present, Hubballi-Dharwad jointly generate about 210 tonnes of wet waste everyday.

As per the details, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) will allocate about 10 acres of land and supply 144 tonnes of wet waste daily for the CBG project. If realized, the initiative is expected to provide a long-term solution for wet waste management while addressing the rising demand for eco-friendly fuel. Presently, only a portion of the waste is processed into compost by the HDMC.

BPCL’s ‘Waste to Energy’ Vision

BPCL’s interest in establishing the CBG project follows a feasibility study and survey. The plant is projected to produce five tonnes of CBG daily from 144 tonnes of wet waste. HDMC officials have proposed leasing 10 acres of land in Shivalli village to BPCL for 25 years at no cost. The general body of the HDMC must approve the allocation of land, waste supply, and overall cooperation.

If approved by the civic body, BPCL will invest ₹68 crore in the plant’s construction and cover an annual maintenance cost of ₹7.53 crore.

To facilitate operations, the HDMC will transport the wet waste using 20-tonne capacity trucks. This initiative is expected to alleviate the HDMC’s burden of waste processing, allowing the remaining wet waste to be composted at existing windrow units.

At Shivalli, 27 acres have already been reserved for a sanitary landfill and leachate treatment plant, budgeted at ₹4.39 crore. An additional five acres are earmarked for a construction and demolition debris plant, with 25 acres designated as a green belt. With 10 acres still available, the proposed CBG plant fits seamlessly into the existing land-use plan.

Once the HDMC general body grants approval, the necessary formalities will proceed swiftly, and the plant could be operational within two years following state cabinet authorization.

Torrefied Charcoal Production

In parallel, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) is developing a facility near Gabbur to convert dry combustible waste into torrefied charcoal. The HDMC has already allocated 12 acres for this and will also supply 200 tonnes of dry waste and 25 kilolitres of water daily to the plant.