Waste-to-energy plant kicks off in Sirajganj

The UK-based Scholars Power Limited, in association with Enduring Energy Limited, Bangladesh, has undertaken a joint initiative to establish a plant aiming to produce energy from waste.

According to a press-release, the initiative will help in efficient disposal of solid waste and generate low-cost renewable energy in Bangladesh.

Rural Development and Co‐operatives and Sirajganj Municipality signed an agreement to establish a Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) disposal facility, which will generate fuel from waste. Logistics support will be provided by Scholars Power Limited and its associate, Enduring Energy Limited.

As per the agreement, the UK firm and its Bangladeshi counterpart will set up the production plant with 100% own finance, and no investment or subsidy from the government of Bangladesh.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Shaheed M Mansur Ali auditorium in Shirajganj town, with Sirajganj-2 lawmaker, Dr Habibe Millat as the chief guest. 

Among others, Deputy Commissioner, Faruk Ahmed; Police Superintendent, Hasibul Alam and the District Chairman, Abdul Latif Biswas, were present.

Industry insiders said safe and eco‐friendly disposal of MSW is an expansive process.

In the new facility, the UK-based firm will provide this waste-to-energy service free of cost, with investment recovery from the sale of produced fuel in twenty years.

Such activities will help build a clean and green Sirajganj, they hoped.

Landfills are one of the primary sources of water, air and soil pollution, and are breeding grounds for insect and animal-borne diseases.

According to experts, public waste or garbage circles back to us when decomposed on the ground's surface, released to the atmosphere and also in ground water.

As a result of decomposition, the organic component of MSW produces methane, which is 30-times more damaging than atmospheric carbon dioxide. MSW also attracts mosquitoes and flies, which use them as primary breeding spots.

In case of insufficient space in the landfills, the authorities or locals set fire to MSW, releasing copious amounts of toxic gases, including Dioxin and Furan, that pose immediate threat to human health.

According to a recent study by the World Bank, MSW contributes approximately 15% to the current air pollution, which is extremely toxic. Unless immediate steps are taken, there is imminent danger for future generations.

According to sources, some 35% to 40% of the daily generated waste is collected by relevant authorities due to shortage of landfill space.

As soon as the plant is operational, 100% of daily generated waste will be collected to be converted to fuel.

Sources also promised that aside from creating a clean and green Sirajganj district, this new initiative will produce fuel that will serve as a viable coal-substitute, which will significantly reduce pollution.