The Hindu 01.09.2009
‘Use waste at home to generate energy’
Special Correspondent
Photo: K. Ananthan
ENERGY FROM WASTE: V. Vasudeoji (second left), secretary of Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, and G.Ramakrishnan (right), its Project Coordinator explaining the features of ‘ a biomethanation plant developed by the Kendra at a function organised by Residents’ Awareness Association of Coimbatore. –
COIMBATORE: As part of its clean environs programme, Alagana Kovai, the Residents’ Awareness Association of Coimbatore (RAAC) is into popularising the multiple uses of waste generated at home.
After highlighting how waste paper could be sold to the ITC Limited instead of just dumping along roads, RAAC has begun efforts to tell people how energy could be generated from the waste produced in their kitchen or garden.
RAAC teamed up with Vivekananda Kendra and organised here on Friday a presentation by the Kendra on how biogas generation plants could be installed at home and how of the power needs of a family could be met by the waste it generated every day.
Under the auspices of its Natural Resources Development Project (NARDEP), the Kendra illustrated how vegetable waste, meat waste, food waste and flour could produce gas. Secretary of the Kendra V. Vasudeoji emphasised the need to tap renewable energy for daily needs. Pointing out that half of the solar energy was left untapped, he said that the Kendra found while exploring various options that kitchen and garden waste were an ideal source of energy.
Mr. Vasudeoji, however, said that everything boiled down to the mindset. “Only a green mind will result in green architecture,” he said and listed very basic sources such as the neem cake that could be used to generate energy.
Explaining the composition of biogas as 65 per cent methane and 35 per cent carbon dioxide, Project Director of NARDEP G. Ramakrishnan said one cubic metre of biogas helped in producing 25 kg of biogas a day and this was enough to meet the cooking needs of a family of three to four persons.
And, 100 cubic metres of biogas could produce 5 KW of energy to meet a 20-hour power requirement of a house. The Government was also providing subsidy to individuals and establishments opting for this source. Mr. Ramakrishnan said the biogas plants were of fixed and portable types. The second one was ideal for people who had to often shift residence.
The plants did not produce any odour or cause pollution, he said, making a presentation on Shakti Surabhi, a biomethanisation plant developed by the Kendra. Hotels, lodges and hostels could install this plant, as it would eliminate waste and also meet the energy requirements of these establishments, he said.
RAAC vice-president G. Soudararajan and honorary secretary R.R. Balasundaram were present at the meeting.
