KIA first Asian airport to begin work on inhouse waste unit

The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), which generates over 20 tonnes of waste daily, will set up a state-of-the-art solid waste management facility on its premises. Arguably the first Asian airport to do so, the first phase of the project is scheduled to be commissioned in January 2019.

Polish firm Ekolog Ltd is the implementation partner for the design-build-own-operate (DBOO) project. Phase 1 of the facility will have the capability to process 20 TPD (tons/day) and will be scalable to 60 TPD.

Once commissioned, at 25 TPD, organic waste will be converted into sustainable bio-energy, through a process of biomethanation. This, according to a BIAL release, will generate enough electricity to power about 5,000 households each year. In addition, the facility will generate about 1.5 million kgs of Class A organic compost a year. Recyclable waste will be segregated and sent to recyclers for useable product conversion.

Energy generated from this process has the potential to power 5,000 households a year, said the release.

Here's BIAL's rationale behind the exercise: "An airport ecosystem generates a large amount of solid waste - both organic and inorganic - due to the thousands of people, including passengers, concessionaires, cargo handlers, etc. who operate in this space. If not dealt with adequately, this waste could pose a serious impediment to achieving sustainability milestones, while also impacting the airport operations."