FAQ
BASIC
As per MSW 2016 rule clause 21 clearly defines that (1) non recyclable waste having calorific value of 1500K/al/kg or more shall only be utilised for generating energy either or through refuse derived fuel or by giving away as feed stock for preparing refuse derived fuel.
Hazardous and other waste Management Rules, 2016 will be followed for environmental management of hazardous waste.
Hazardous waste, if any, shall be disposed to nearby TSDF through KSPCB/CPCB approved vendors
No waste water shall be disposed directly on land or on existing surface water resources without appropriate treatment.
Centralised waste management plants have been successfully established across globe and over 2000 waste to energy plants are operational globally. This is the preferred option in large cities world-wide and areas of high population density as a proven model to minimise the impact of waste to public health and to the environment.
GJEP has designed a comprehensive solution based on practical technology for Kochi MSW treatment and conversion into energy. The GJEP process is a multi-stage system, which starts on the weighbridge, then waste reception, specialised Bio-Drying system, Material Recovery facilities, Gasification System, Flue gas treatment system and leachate treatment system.
Significant quantities of Metals are removed in the multi stage MSW treatment process as part of RDF preparation. Therefore, only minimal quantity of metals will reach the Gasification process where this will be collected in the ash handling system and will be scientifically processed to prevent pollution.
The flue gas treatment process includes activated carbon absorption mechanism.
Appropriately segregated and prepared RDF driven advance thermal conversion using Gasification is a proven technological solution for Waste management and energy generation.
The technology selection process involved detailed waste analysis and climatic condition during the various seasons. The selection of MSW treatment technology was based on scientific study of Kochi MSW over a period of 2 years.
Bio Drying process is a proven technology in places with similar climatic conditions to reduce the moisture in unsegregated MSW in a very energy efficient way. The Bio drying simulator and subsequent papers published by leading Professors at Cochin University proves beyond doubt this technology is efficient and works perfectly in the worst Kerala monsoons.
Based on the studies performed by the KMC and the company Kochi produce over 600 tons of waste per day. However only less than 300 tons are collected and transported, the remaining waste is surface dumped across various locations in the city. The current studies show that there will be adequate waste available to produces the desired power output.
The Project was studied in detail by the nodal agency on behalf of the Corporation. The then Government vetted the project before the company signed the concession agreement with Cochin Municipal Corporation in February 2016 at Secretariat, Trivandrum. After state assembly election the newly elected Government appointed an expert committee who conducted technological and commercial analysis on the feasibility, sustainability and environmental impact on the project before approving the project and also planning on implementing more Waste to Energy projects within the state of Kerala.
The proposed site is not in the CRZ zone.
No, The Bio-drying process is an aerobic process and it doesn’t produce Ammonia and Methane. The Waste is constantly purged with air during the drying process and the heat is generated by the aerobic bacteria will not produce methane or Ammonia.
Capital Investments for the proposed project is completely funded by the company itself’. There are no other funding schemes for the project from the government. The project is designed as PPP and DBFOT. The specific company responsibilities to protect the government interests are clearly defined in the concession agreement.
Waste to energy technology minimise the usage and discharge of water due the Thermal conversion technology.
No untreated water shall be disposed offsite. The onsite Leachate treatment plant will collect and treat all leachate brought to and produced on site. The treated water will be sent to the water treatment facility.
An adequate drainage system will be provided at the site with separate collection streams to segregate the storm run-off from roads, open areas, material storage areas, vehicle wash water and other wastewater streams. Suitable measures will also be taken to prevent the washing away of construction materials into the drainage system.
The technology is designed to meet the Indian emission standards and the process is very well proven. The plastic waste will not be a concern as the thermal conversion technology used in the Gasification system will process plastic waste scientifically without generating pollution.
Toxic gases are not produced during the gasification process as High-density plastic, inert materials and metals are segregated as recyclables during the waste conversion to Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) process. Therefore, the Gasification system will have a controlled material feed to manage the thermal conversation process.
The project has undergone extensive evaluation by the state government and approval obtained through cabinet in 2015 and issued state government order in Jan 2016. The new government in 2016 performed independent evaluation on the bidding process, technology and commercial aspects of the project and approved to progress.
Company is systematically obtaining all approvals following the regulations and the progress is reviewed by a committee under the supervision of Chief Secretory of Kerala and additional Chief Secretaries.
Intensity of sound pollution will be minimal and control measures will be adopted.
Flood risk analysis has been performed. Significant live studies were done during the Flood in Aug 2018 and concluded that the flood had little or minimal effect on the allocated 20 acres for the project. The high flood level marking is taken with additional safety measures to ensure the project is future proof.
Gasification is a robust technology refined over the past 40 years and implemented in numerous cites in the developed world. Kochi will be the first project in India to have a WtE using advanced thermal technology with Gasification.
The SPV Company G.J. Eco Power Pvt. Ltd. has been formed for this particular project as per the concession agreement. The SPV companies partner company (British company) possess established expertise in Gasification technology
Since March 2012 the project promoters have been actively involved in a detailed study on the municipal solid waste issues in Kochi through world class experts from the UK.
The company’s core technical and management team has successfully implemented several MSW projects globally and carry over 200 years of collective hands-on experience in Waste to Energy sector.