PROSPECTS OF BIOMETHANATION OF SOLID WASTES IN INDIA

Abstract

Solid Waste is a significant and growing problem in many urban areas of India. Organic fraction constitutes about 50 % of the total urban solid waste. The current systems of waste management are rudimentary and grossly inefficient, ineffective and environmentally damaging. Biomethanation technology has emerged as a viable option for managing the organic solid waste generated in the urban areas. Besides reducing the waste load by about 50 %, biomethanation generates biogas, energy derivative, and compost, nutrient recovery. Three different technological approaches have been adopted in three cities ofIndia for managing organic wastes. This research analyses the technical feasibility and operational stability of the three ventures, from a long-term sustainability perspective. Also, the research assesses the incorporation of biomethanation of organic solid - agri-residues, as a technological intervention in rural energy demand and suggests strategies for the utilization of biomethanation technology from a sustainable outlook.