Getting rid of garbage, generating power with biomass

After solar and wind energy, the government is now focusing on power generation from biomass, especially in Bengaluru, where waste generation is very high and management poor. 

Shashikumar, chairman of the Karnataka Renewable Energy Limited said the future of renewable energy was solar and biomass. While technological advances are happening with government schemes for solar panels, biomass is also attracting the government’s attention. Presently, the demand for biomass to generate electricity is more in Belagavi, Raichur, Davanagere and Haveri and very less in Bengaluru.

A meeting on how to promote and tap it will be held with all stakeholders in another 15 days. During the meeting, government organisations where solar panels will be installed will be listed, like government hostels, social welfare department offices and the Vidhana Soudha.

The meeting assumes significance in the wake of the 45th World Earth Day on April 22, focusing on renewable energy. The theme this year is: It’s our turn to lead. This year is important as world leaders are coming together to sign a climate change treaty, in which renewable energy plays a vital role.

Bengaluru generates over 3,600 tonnes of waste per day, of which 60-70 per cent is organic. This can be used to generate electricity ward wise, which will also help in solid waste management. If adequate biomass and solar energy is generated, the city will not have to depend on thermal plants, said Prof T V Ramachandra from the Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc. Bescom M D Pankajkumar Pandey said biomass energy was being generated in Davangere and other parts of north Karnataka. But no one is generating power from biomass within the city. Solar and biomass energy are used up in places where they are generated. This reduces transmission loss, resulting in better consumption. Given the amount of waste produced in , biomass energy is a good option.

BBMP is also coming up with such projects. But more needs to be done, Pandey said.