Gujarat To Soon Host Highest No. Of Waste-To-Energy Plants

Gujarat To Soon Host Highest Waste-To-Energy Plants

The latest data from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) indicates that Gujarat is poised to host the highest number of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants in India. This development comes as several states across the country increasingly adopt waste-to-energy solutions. MNRE classifies WTE plants as sources of renewable energy.

At the national level, Delhi currently leads with four operational WTE plants, which collectively have a capacity of approximately 77 MW. In contrast, Gujarat currently has two such plants, located in Jamnagar and Ahmedabad, with a combined capacity of 22.5 MW.

Minister of State (MoS) for New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, recently provided insights on WTE plants in a written statement to the Lok Sabha. According to the minister, there are presently 14 operational WTE plants in India, with a total capacity of 202 MW distributed across eight states.

Gujarat Taking the Lead

Naik also disclosed that seven additional WTE plants are under construction across the country, with Gujarat accounting for the majority of these upcoming projects. Once operational, these new plants will propel Gujarat to the forefront, making it the state with the highest number of WTE facilities. With three new plants under construction, Gujarat will soon have a total of five WTE plants, surpassing Delhi’s four. Unlike Gujarat, Delhi currently has no additional WTE plants in the pipeline.

The minister further stated that the seven new WTE plants nationwide would collectively add 99 MW of clean energy capacity. In Gujarat, the new plants will be located in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Vadodara, each with an individual capacity of 15 MW. This expansion will bring Gujarat’s total WTE capacity to 67.5 MW. However, Delhi will continue to lead in capacity with its existing 77 MW.

WTE Plants Under Scrutiny

WTE plants have played a significant role in reducing urban waste by converting it into energy. These facilities burn segregated waste to produce vapor, which drives turbines to generate electricity.

However, the environmental impact of some WTE plants has come under scrutiny. A recent investigation by the New York Times highlighted the release of hazardous and carcinogenic gases from several WTE plants, particularly in Delhi, leading to health concerns in nearby areas. Despite these issues, some of these plants have earned carbon credits for their operations.

As Gujarat prepares to lead in the number of WTE plants, addressing the potential environmental and health risks associated with these facilities will be crucial to ensure sustainable progress.