VIJAYAWADA: In an example worth emulating, the KL University has laid the foundation stone for the setting up of a biodigester plant to generate biogas and power from organic waste on its own premises.
The KL University in collaboration with CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology and Ahuja Engineering Services Private Limited, Secunderabad, has taken up the task to set up biodigester plant as part of Swachh Bharat venture at an estimated cost of `1.92 crore. The energy to be generated from the biodigester plant will be utilised for generating power for off grid applications at the campus and the remaining will be used for cooking applications, replacing LPG in the canteen.
Speaking to Express on Friday, KL University, prof & director, Centre for Advanced Energy Studies, Y Anjaneyulu, said the entire plant would be erected and commissioned under the Indo-US PACESetter fund and will be operational within a year.
The PACESetter fund was awarded to the consortium after the screening about 140 proposals. In the formal award ceremony held on May 27, 2016 at New Delhi, US ambassador to India and Dr Upendra Tripathy Secretary, MNRE, awarded the project to KL University-CSIR-IICT consortium.