Feasibility Study on Implementing Kitchen Waste-Based Biogas Plant at Tezpur University, Assam

The growing demand for cooking fuel and non-reliable supply of commercial cooking fuel has become a major concern in recent years. In this context, biogas, a clean and renewable energy source, can be a supplement to non-renewable conventional cooking fuel. In India, small-sized biogas plants have been prevalent in domestic sectors with mixed degree of success. However, the application of community-sized biogas plants is very limited. In case of residential institute like Tezpur University, Assam, India, considering the huge amount of food waste generated, conversion of kitchen waste into useful cooking gas (biogas) through anaerobic digestion can be a better option to supplement the elevated requirement of LPG. In this work, feasibility study of renewable energy-based cooking system (biogas plant, size 50 m3), implemented in one of the hostels of Tezpur University, is thoroughly examined from commissioning to operational stage, in order to assess the barriers and carriers of such renewable energy technology. A study investigated the performance of the installed plant, feedstock characteristics, composition and economic assessment of biogas-fuelled cooking at Tezpur University campus. Performance analysis and economic assessment of the 50 m3 biomethanation plant showed that it can be a viable option for utilization of the food waste generated in educational institutions through production of clean cooking fuel. However, proper monitoring of feeding rate and quality is critical for smooth performance of the biogas system.