GHMC launches waste-to-energy plant utilising European tech

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is enhancing its waste management strategy by implementing advanced European waste-to-energy practices. A new 152-acre waste-to-energy treatment plant will be established in Pyara Nagar, Sangareddy, leveraging cutting-edge European technology.

The facility has received all necessary approvals for construction. Once operational, it will have the capacity to generate 15 MW of electricity and produce 270 tonnes of biogas daily. Initially, waste will be transported to the site using sealed trucks and stored in an underground bunker, where it will be sorted into wet and dry waste. The dry waste will be utilized for electricity generation, while the wet waste will be processed into compressed biogas (CBG).

To minimize environmental impact, the entire waste treatment process will occur within an enclosed structure, preventing the release of odors or wastewater into the environment. Advanced biofilters will be installed to purify the air and eliminate unpleasant smells. The facility will employ dry digestion technology to handle wet waste, significantly reducing leachate production.

In addition to the Pyara Nagar plant, GHMC is exploring four additional sites for future waste-to-energy facilities. These locations include 42.2 acres in Khanapur (Rangareddy district), 100 acres in Lakdaram (Sangareddy), 85 acres in Dundigal, and 200 acres in Malkapur (Choutuppal). These sites, located near Hyderabad, are under evaluation for their suitability for such projects.

GHMC officials noted that the new plants will alleviate pressure on the existing waste treatment facility at Jawahar Nagar, which currently processes 7,500 metric tonnes of waste from GHMC limits and an additional 1,500 metric tonnes from nearby municipalities. The Pyara Nagar plant, estimated to cost ₹600 crore, is expected to be operational by 2025. Additionally, a 24 MW waste-to-energy facility is being developed at Jawahar Nagar to further improve waste management and energy production in the city.