Strategic Action Plan - International Environmental Technology Centre

Strategic Action Plan Report
Figure 5.7: Area of Biomethanation Plants for various scenarios
Figure 5.7 discusses the area foot-prints of biomethanation projects with increase in the extent of
decentralized treatment as well as increase in the extent of vermi-composting. As seen in the figure, the area
requirements for biomethanation plants increase with the overall increase in extent of decentralized
treatment, however decrease with increase in vermi-composting plants. In old city areas, the increase in
decentralized treatment will lead to increased area requirements. In such cases a vermi-composting plant can
be thought of as a suitable option. Although the area requirements are larger for vermi-composting plant,
these are requirements unlike those for biomethanation plants are not at a single location. The vermicomposting
pits (7 pits) can be spaced as per the area availability.
Thus in the light of the above discussion, Biomethanation plants irrespective of large initial investment
provide a long-term beneficiary solution for urban areas with space constraints.
5.4 Centralized Treatment Technologies
For the waste remaining after the segregation & sorting and the decentralized treatment the waste is amenable
to various treatment technologies. The possibilities are discussed below:
Refuse-Driven Fuel: Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) typically consists of pelletized MSW. Pre-processing to
remove iron materials, glass, grit, and other materials that are not combustible has to be undertaken. The
remaining material, with calorific value, is then converted to pellets, which are used as fuels.
Pyrolysis/Thermal Gasification: Pyrolysis and thermal gasification are related technologies. Pyrolysis heats
organic material to high temperatures in the absence of gases such as air or oxygen. The process produces a
ISWM Plan for Pune 103