Varanasi/Bhubaneswar : Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, Hon’ble Minister, Housing & Urban Development, Government of Odisha, visited the RAMANA Waste-to-Charcoal Plant in Varanasi yesterday to study its innovative Zero Residue Green Technology for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management. The plant, part of the “Varanasi Harit Koyla Pariyojana”, demonstrates an advanced approach to converting municipal waste into a sustainable, high-calorific fuel.
The plant employs the torrefaction process, a thermochemical treatment of waste at 250–300°C in a controlled oxygen environment. This process removes moisture and volatile matter from waste, transforming it into torrefied charcoal, a hydrophobic, carbon-rich fuel capable of substituting conventional fossil coal.
Environmental & Energy Impact:
The 400 TPD (tons per day) facility prevents approximately 13 TPD of methane emissions, generating nearly 390 carbon credits by same-day waste processing. It produces 100 TPD of green charcoal, replacing an equivalent amount of fossil coal and saving 250–290 TPD of carbon emissions, offering substantial climate and energy benefits.
The Municipal Corporation of Varanasi has allocated 16 acres of land with trunk infrastructure support for the plant. The model has already been adopted by NTPC under its CSR initiative, successfully utilizing torrefied charcoal in thermal power plants to reduce reliance on conventional coal.
During his visit, Dr. Mohapatra commended the initiative, stating:
“The RAMANA Waste-to-Charcoal plant at Varanasi is a path-breaking model for sustainable solid waste management. By turning garbage into green fuel, it eliminates landfills, reduces carbon emissions, and contributes to energy security. Odisha is determined to replicate such innovative, zero-residue technologies in our cities to build a cleaner and greener future.”
The visit reflects Odisha’s commitment to integrating waste-to-energy solutions into urban development and setting a national benchmark for climate-friendly municipal governance. Officials present included Mr. Binaya Ku Dash, Addl Secretary & Mission Director SBM, Odisha; Ashish Ranjan, DGM (WTE) NTPC Varanasi; Omendra Srivastava, Chief Technical Advisor RCUE, MoHUA; R.C. Niranjan, Zonal Sanitation Officer, Varanasi Nagar Nigam; and other senior officers.
