Articles on Biogas

Biogas plant to power 50 streetlights

T. Madhavan

— Photo: A. Muralitharan

NOVEL VENTURE: Elected representatives and officials of the Tiruneermalai town panchayat inspecting the plant.

CHENNAI: A Rs. 6.15-lakh biogas plant, utilising human waste, is nearing completion at Durga Nagar under the Tiruneermalai town panchayat in Kancheepuram district.

The town panchayat, which is funding the non-conventional energy project, began work on the 25-cubic metre plant on a trial basis in December 2006. It is likely to be completed in a fortnight.

According to site engineers, night soil from 240 housing units of the TNHB housing colony will be deposited in a sump.

After the biological changes, the sludge will generate methane gas. This will be piped to a power generator, which will power streetlights in the area.

"Power generation from the plant will be 3 kva, sufficient for providing power to 50 lights for five hours," says R. Devadoss, Executive Officer of the town panchayat. After treatment, the wastewater and sludge can be utilised for gardening.

According to officials of the Directorate of Town Panchayat, this is the first plant of its kind in Kancheepuram district. It is planned to extend the non-conventional energy model to other areas.