Indian scientist's waste-to-energy plant awarded in US

The plant, designed on a technology developed by K S Sivaprasad for conversion of municipal solid waste into clean burning RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel), could handle 700 tonnes waste per day and generate 8 Mw power.

After meeting self consumption, 5.5 Mw power is for export to the national grid. The plant is operational since mid 2009.

Sivaprasad, who holds the patent for the technology, was felicitated during the annual conference of the power industry of America, 'Electric Power', recently held in Rosemont, Illinois.

"The technology developed In India is actualised into a commercial size operating plant in Malaysia," Sivaprasad said after receiving the award.

He would soon be meeting Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh to explore the possibilities of setting up similar plants in waster-to-energy plant in India, which he argued is a viable eco-friendly solution to the huge municipal waste in mega metropolis like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

Encouraged by the success of the first plant, Sivaprasad said the Malaysian Government has awarded him the next project to handle 1000 tonnes of waste per day.

Right from the time garbage is received at site, till the flue gases exit the chimney, pollution control is effected in three phases viz pre combustion, combustion and post combustion phase by appropriate pollution abatement systems incorporated in the plant, he said.

Continuous emission monitoring systems in the flue gas exit through the chimney ensure compliance to the stringent prescribed emission standards.

The day's garbage is treated the same day preventing garbage accumulation with all its adverse impact on the environment, Sivaprasad said.