BWSSB to take up nine new STPs with 535 MLD capacity, six to produce power through biogas
BWSSB is looking at generating revenue from STPs through generating power and manure from the sludge
Power generation
The six STPs with a processing capacity of 50 MLD or more will generate power up to 4 MW through biogas. This is a new technology being implemented in the city. Only the STPs in Hebbal and Vrishabhavati valley currently have this technology. This power is locally consumed to run the plant, designed in such a way that at least half of the power requirement is met through biogas. The power bill is one of the biggest components of running an STP, and this will reduce the board’s dependence on the Bescom grid, saving money, officials said.
Eco-friendly
These STPs will, for the first time, be equipped with the latest anaerobic technologies, like the A2O Technology with tertiary treatment unit - a disc filter, which will help meet outlet parameters with the new norms of the Central Pollution Control Board and National Green Tribunal. The disc filters as tertiary treatment units are more eco-friendly than conventional treatment units like multimedia units or sand filter beds. The sludge produced by these plants are treated and safe for use like manure. The BWSSB also intends to sell manure to make revenue, the BWSSB sources said.
Funding
The nine STPs’ put together will cost ₹2,071.21 crore.
Sources said that while the State government and the BWSSB each will pitch in with 25% of the cost, the rest will be financed through a loan. The BWSSB will soon call for an Expression of Interest (EoI) from financial institutions for the loan.
