India: Call for Proposals on Municipal Solid Waste to Energy

The Department of Biotechnology of the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology is looking for an economical and sustainable solution which can generate energy from MSW while addressing the critical disposal issues.

The aim of the call for proposals under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission, a campaign by the government of India) is to develop and demonstrate technologies for sustainable utilization of municipal solid waste (MSW) for cleaner and pollution free environment as well as generation of the energy from this waste. The technologies should comply with upcoming Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

According to the provided information, the technological options available for processing/treatment and disposal of MSW are composting, vermicomposting, anaerobic digestion/biomethanation, incineration, gasification and pyrolysis, production of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). “However each of them has advantages and limitations,” the Indian Department of Biotechnology admits. “Their limitations may be slow processes, incomplete conversion and huge land requirement or high energy requirements. Hence the focus of this call is to develop adequate and sustainable technology.”

Proposal deadline is October 31, 2016. More information: http://www.dbtindia.nic.in/call-for’-solid-waste/