Kolkata: NRS Medical College, Calcutta Pavlov Hospital and Adyapeath Annada Polytechnic College have launched pilot projects that turn kitchen waste into biogas to run their canteens.
This is a major push towards sustainable energy. The initiative is proving to be a success in saving on fuel costs and reducing harmful emissions.
All three projects are guided by the West Bengal Renewable Energy Department.
The biogas plant at NRS and Pavlov hospitals was installed on 25 March, each with a 250 kg daily waste capacity and a five-year maintenance plan.
The Adyapaeth Annada Polytechnic College plant was completed this month only. Together, these three projects cost over Rs 50 lakh.
The kitchen’s daily feed is 250-300 kg of waste, such as vegetable scraps, rice slurry and leftovers, into the digesters.
This produces between 15-25 cubic meters of biogas, which is then piped directly into the kitchens. The nutrient-rich slurry left behind is used in the gardens.
Biogas is produced when organic matter is broken down by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen. This process is known as anaerobic digestion.
The left-behind slurry works as a natural fertiliser and also as fish feed. The three institutions use this green fuel directly in their kitchens. This reduces dependence on expensive LPG.
In fact, 100 kg of biodegradable waste can produce around 10 cubic m of methane gas. This is equivalent to four to five kg of LPG.
With more waste, the system can generate the equivalent of up to 30 kg of LPG. This offers significant savings and energy security.
“We are happy with thr results at NRS and Pavlova hospitals. We are planning to expand the project to other hospitals as well,” informed Narayan Swaroop Nigam, Health Secretary, West Bengal government.
