BPCL to build mega biogas plant in Kochi

The state government of Kerala has approved plan for the establishment of a compressed biogas plant project by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in Kochi, the state’s commercial hub. The project is aimed at addressing the persistent organic waste challenge in the metropolitan. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, held as part of the ‘Nava Kerala’ outreach program in northern Thalassery.

The information of the project approval was shared through a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

As part of the project, the Kochi Corporation will allocate 10 acres of land in Brahmapuram to BPCL. The designated land will host a treatment plant capable of handling 150 metric tonnes of waste daily, producing compressed biogas for use by the central PSU.

BPCL will bear the estimated construction cost of Rs 150 crore. The CMO statement also mentioned that water and electricity required for the plant’s construction would be provided at a reduced cost.

Furthermore, the plant is set to produce organic fertilizer for farmers, and the treated wastewater released will meet environmental standards. The residual inorganic waste will be handled by the Clean Kerala company after processing.

The initiative is seen as a comprehensive solution to Kochi’s organic waste problem, affecting a population of over seven lakh people and 1.61 lakh houses. The CMO statement indicated that the project is expected to be completed within 15 months.

The state cabinet’s decision comes months after a major fire at the Brahmapuram dump site underscored the need for modernized waste management practices. The CMO statement also highlighted additional measures, including providing a daily incentive of Rs 1000 to the 387 civil defence volunteers who played a crucial role in firefighting operations at the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant.

Kerala had always been on the forefront of biogas generation through small units dotting the state. According to an estimate,  biogas plants for Kerala was 153,666 in 2022. The biogas plants of Kerala increased from 137,700 in 2013 to 153,600 in 2022 with an average annual growth rate of 1.23%.