Bowenpally, Gudimalkapur vegetable markets turn waste into energy with biogas plants

Bowenpally and Gudimalkapur vegetable markets in Telangana generate biogas, electricity, and bio-manure from organic waste. The plants, designed using bio-methanation technology, power canteens, streetlights, and market operations, offering a sustainable alternative during the ongoing LPG crisis.

Hyderabad: The concept of biogas from organic waste generated at vegetable markets in the city, envisioned during the previous BRS government, stands as an effective alternative during the ongoing LPG crisis.

The Bowenpally vegetable market and Gudimalkapur market under the BRS government had adopted the concept of generating biofuel from the substantial organic waste generated there.

The biofuel plant at the Bowenpally market, the largest vegetable market in Telangana, set up in March 2021, is producing around 500 units of electricity and 30 kg of biofuel from vegetable waste. This biogas generated helps run the canteen, which serves 10 varieties of breakfast daily to 500 to 600 people, including hamalis and daily wage workers, as well as commission agents and lorry and truck crews.

CSIR-IICT scientists and expert teams designed the biogas plant using bio-methanation technology based on Anaerobic Gas Lift Reactor (AGR). The innovative technology caught Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attention and found a mention in one of his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ editions in 2021.

The plan,t which was not in use for past few months, is now operational. Selection Grade Secretary (SGS) of Bowenpally Agricultural Market Committee (BAMC) told ‘Telangana Today’ that nearly eight to ten tons of vegetable waste is collected from this market, which goes on to generate approximately 500 units of electricity and 30 kg of biofuel every day. “The electricity generated is being used for streetlights, 170 vegetable stalls, an administrative building, and water supply, while the biofuel is used in the kitchen,” he said.

The Gudimalkapur Biogas Plant, installed in 2019 and started working in 2022, is designed for scientific treatment of about 5 tons of vegetable waste generated in the market. “The plant is generating approximately 200 m3 of biogas and 5 kl of liquid digestate (bio manure) per day when operated to its full capacity,” said Prasad, Selection Grade Secretary, Gudimalkapur Agriculture Market Committee.

“The biogas generated by the plant is utilised to generate power for the market yard and partially to replace LPG in the market’s canteen every day. The biogas-based power is utilised (off-grid) to light the yard line currently,” he said.