Transforming Waste into Steam: Ahmedabad Sustainable Solution

To improve solid waste management, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has announced the establishment of a 300-tonne-per-day solid waste to steam plant in Ahmedabad, operating under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The plant, to be constructed by Surat-based Steamhouse India on a 5-acre plot at the Pirana Waste dumping site, is set to significantly reduce environmental pollution by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.

Tackling Organic Waste Decomposition:

Ahmedabad, the seventh largest metropolis in India, produces approximately 4,000 metric tonnes of solid waste daily. 

A spokesperson from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation explained that the shift towards sustainable waste management is crucial due to the adverse effects of organic waste decomposition in landfills, which release harmful greenhouse gases contributing to climate change, and the health hazards posed by toxic substances from various waste types to nearby communities.

Leveraging Innovative Technology

Utilizing waste to steam (WTS) technology, the project aims to establish a circular economy using Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). This German technology, debuting in India, offers numerous benefits, including reduced environmental impact, low operational costs, and efficient resource utilization.

Additionally, the project is anticipated to provide a more cost-effective solution for steam generation, with capital expenditures projected to be 70 percent lower compared to conventional waste-to-energy plants, according to the AMC.

Setting a National Benchmark to Turn waste to steam:

Vishal S Budhia, CMD of Steamhouse, said, “Until now, electricity waste has been the prevalent waste-to-energy model in India, but with this project, we have the opportunity to showcase the advantages of waste-to-steam. 

We can demonstrate how capital expenditure can be nearly halved and how the nation can save money by not purchasing electricity at a premium price of Rs 7.5 compared to Rs 2.5 for solar and wind energy while also reducing coal imports, foreign exchange outflow, and air pollution. This project is poised to become a benchmark for India.”

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