An Idea To Produce Green Hydrogen- “Future Fuel” From Wastes

A project submitted to Government College of Engineering and Textile Technology in

partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of
BACHELOR of TECHNOLOGY
IN
TEXTILE TECHNONLGY
Submitted by
Shatwik Shah (11100720013)
Amritendu Acharjee (11100720004)
Rupam Dhara (11100720008)
Indrajit Naru (11100720004)
Ritam Manna (111007200023)
Sourav Mukherjee (111007200019)

Under the guidance of

Dr. Aniruddha Ghosh
(Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering)

Government College of Engineering and Textile Technology Berhampore

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The success and outcome of the project on “An Idea to produce Green Hydrogen-
“Future Fuel” from wastes” required a lot of guidance and assistance from many
people and we are extremely privileged to have got this all along the completion of our
project. All that we have done is only due to such great supervision and assistance and
we would never forget to thank them. We would thank our Professor Dr. Aniruddha
Ghosh Sir, for providing us an opportunity to do this project work and giving us all the
support and guidance which made us to complete the project timely. We are extremely
thankful for providing such a nice support and guidance and we owe our deep gratitude
to him who took keen interest in our project and guided us all along, till the completion
of our project work by providing all the necessary information for developing a good
system.
 ABSTRACT

The introduction of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) in India will require
the setup of fueling stations. For this India must produce Green Hydrogen as a fuel on a
mass basis. India mostly produces Hydrogen through the Stream-Reforming method
which results in the emission of carbon dioxide gases and hence is not good for the
environment. Production of Hydrogen through electrolysis is an alternate method and
environment friendly. But for such mass production of hydrogen through electrolysis a
huge amount of current will be required. For this, if such immense electricity will get
supplied from existing waste-to-energy power plants in India then it will not only save
investment for the opening of new industries in India to produce green hydrogen as a
fuel but also bring employment and trading opportunities as oxygen is also produced
along with the hydrogen during electrolysis which can be restored to supply to the
hospitals and industries or simply release to the atmosphere. In this study, energy will
be recovered from Refused derivative fuel (RDF), an upgrade derivative of Municipal
Solid Wastes (MSWs) in Waste-to- Energy power plant and that energy will be used in
Water Electrolyzer for electrolysis of water to produce Hydrogen and Oxygen.
 CONTENTS

1. Introduction
2. Production of Green Hydrogen
3. Production of electricity from wastes
4. Mathematical calculations
5. Conclusion
INTRODUCTION

Hydrogen, discovered in 1776 by the British scientist Henry

Cavendish was not widely used in industry at the time of its
discovery, mainly due to the advent of cheaper fossil fuels in the 19th
and 20th centuries. But the expansion of hydrogen use was due to
space research missions in the 1960s, such as the Apollo missions
where Hydrogen was used at that time primarily as fuel for space
rockets. In addition, during the Apollo space flight, hydrogen Fuel
cell technology was used on board to generate electricity, heat and
water.
Hydrogen is a carrier (storage) of energy. It is widely used in
transport, energetics and other industries. In transport, compared to
batteries, hydrogen is expected to be preferred especially in heavy
freight transport, bus transport and other types of long-distance
transport.
A very rich energy fuel, Hydrogen (33 kWh/kg) is currently a direct
competitor of battery technologies. It is known that the leader in the
field of battery technology today is the automotive company Tesla,
whose batteries reach energy densities of 250–260 Wh/kg but in
comparison to it, Hydrogen has almost 126 times higher energy
density per 1 kg.
Today, hydrogen mobility works on the principle of fuel cells
producing electricity by the direct electrochemical reaction of
hydrogen and oxygen to water. As waste substances, only
demineralized water and air are generated, which is purified by
Filters. It is a bit of an exaggeration to say that hydrogen cars are
cleaning the planet.
The Mass development of FCEV is hindered only by the high
acquisition price and the small infrastructure of filling stations. With
the wider application of FCEV, there will be a dramatic reduction in
acquisition prices due to mass production.
On a mass basis, hydrogen has nearly three times the energy content
of gasoline—120 MJ/kg for hydrogen versus 44 MJ/kg for gasoline.
On a volume basis, however, the situation is reversed; liquid
hydrogen has a density of 8 MJ/L whereas gasoline has a density of
32 MJ/L, comparing energy densities of fuels based on lower heating
values. Onboard hydrogen storage capacities of 5–13 kg hydrogen
will be required to meet the driving range for the full range of light-
duty vehicle platforms.
Hydrogen fuel stations can store hydrogen as a liquid in above-
ground tanks at cryogenic temperatures, or as a gas in above-ground
cylinders:
Liquid hydrogen:
A tanker truck pumps liquid hydrogen into an above-ground tank,
where it's kept at a temperature of 21 K. Before it can be used, the
liquid hydrogen is converted into a gas using vaporizer towers and
super-compressors. The vaporizer towers heat the liquid until it turns
into gas, and the super-compressors then compress the gas to high
pressures, up to 10,000 pounds per square inch. The compressed gas
is then stored in cylinders for dispensing to customers.
Hydrogen gas:
Hydrogen can also be stored as a gas in high-pressure tanks at
pressures of 350–700 bar (5,000–10,000 psi).
How can Bharat produce green hydrogen?

It is known that 96% of all world hydrogen production comes from

fossil fuels, mainly through the so-called steam reforming of natural
gas. This is the cheapest current Hydrogen production technology.
Steam reforming is a chemical process in which hydrogen, carbon
monoxide and carbon dioxide generates. The overall efficiency of
this process is around 75%. However, it produces a large amount of
CO2, up to 9–12 kg of CO2 is produced per 1 kg of hydrogen
produced.
If hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water and the electricity
used comes from renewable sources, then such hydrogen is called
green. Green hydrogen is emission free and has the greatest potential
for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At present, the overall
efficiency is around 50–60%. To produce 1 kg of Hydrogen, about 9
litres of Water and about 50 kWh of electricity is required.
𝟐 𝑯𝟐 𝑶 → 𝟐 𝑯𝟐 + 𝑶𝟐 .

The use of hydrogen as a fuel for cars has gained momentum in

India. India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has
supported various hydrogen projects in academic institutions,
research organizations and industry for their development. Examples
of projects include the development of hydrogen-powered internal
combustion engines to power two- and three-wheelers and minibuses,
as well as the establishment of two hydrogen refuelling stations at the
Indian Oil R&D Centre in Faridabad. and at the National Solar
Energy Institute in Gurugram. As of February 2020, the MNRE has
partnered with NTPC Ltd., an Indian energy conglomerate, to
propose the launch of a fuel cell bus pilot project.
The electricity require for the mass production of hydrogen can be
derived from waste-to-energy power plant. A total of 14 such power
plants have been installed in India, out of which seven plants were
closed due to a huge gap between the quantity and quality of waste
that different states are generating.
As per report Indian waste has low calorific value and high moisture
content. The calorific value of waste in India ranges from 1,411
kcal/kg to 2150 kcal/kg. But focussing only on the production of
electricity for producing Hydrogen instead of supplying power in
residential areas this would be beneficial in perspective of economic
growth and other sector also.
By electrolysis, production of oxygen (along with hydrogen) not only
good for the environment but also brings trading opportunity by
supply oxygen to the hospitals and in other required areas as well.
Production of electricity by wastes

With an increase in per capita generation of Municipal Solid Waste

along with population explosion, dumping of the MSW in open
dumpsite will lead to land degradation along with release of many
greenhouse gases.
Moreover, as the waste generation increases the need for vacant land
for dumping also becomes a challenge. Hence, conversion of
municipal solid waste to value added products has become the
advantageous way to manage the waste production.
Enhancement of calorific value of MSW by using
additives: In municipal solid waste, the calorific value of the waste
is very low. To increase its quality, the most suitable RDF was
prepared by mixing some additives like coconut coir, coconut shell,
groundnut shell, sawdust and Pongamia seeds. The quality of the
RDF is measured, by measuring its moisture content, and density.

RDF MIXTURE RATIO OF MOISTURE

MISXTURE CONTENT
MSW and Coconut 7:3 11.78%
coir 6:4 11.54%
5:5 19.86%
MSW and ground nut 7:3 8.97%
shell 6:4 9.48%
5:5 9.01%
MSW and Saw dust 7:3 8.2%
6:4 13.24%
5:5 8.8%
MSW and pongamia 7:3 7.45%
seeds 6:4 9%
5:5 7.15%
Resulting analysis for density:
The calorific value was proportional to the density of the RDF
mixture. The actual density of RDF depends on the density of
biomaterial which is used to make RDF mixtures. According to EU
Standards, the density range of a good RDF is 1-14 kg/dm3.

RDF mixtures Ratio of Density(g/cm3)

mixture(MSW:Additives)
MSW and coconut 7:3 0.4
coir 6:4 0.4
5:5 0.7
MSW and 7:3 0.4
groundnut shell 6:4 0.5
5:5 0.4
MSW and saw 7:3 0.5
dust 6:4 0.5
5:5 0.4
MSW and 7:3 0.6
pongamia seeds 6:4 0.5
5:5 0.7
Resulting analysis of calorific value:
After the analysis of moisture and density, we see that the calorific
value of MSW is increased by approximately 3090 kcal/kg. The
actual average calorific value of raw MAW is 800 – 1000 kcal/kg [
S.K.Singh and D.K.Khare; Publication on the World Food Day,
(1993) ] and the experimental range of calorific value is 2858 kcal/kg
to 4090 kcal/kg. Pongamia seeds are the most suitable biomaterial for
making RDF mixtures.

RDF mixtures Ratio of mixture (MSW: Calorific values

Additives) (kcal/kg)
MSW and coconut 7:3 2858
coir 6:4 3090
5:5 3331
MSW and 7:3 2875
groundnut shell 6:4 3858
5:5 3585
MSW and saw 7:3 2882
dust 6:4 3376
5:5 3610
MSW and 7:3 3830
pongamia seeds 6:4 4066
5:5 4090
Mathematical Calculation:

Generated heat energy by whole Dulong’s formula:

• HV(KJ/Kg) = 338.2*C +
94.2*S + 1442.8*(HO/8) +
94.2*S
• Where C= % of Carbon on
dry ash free basis.
• H= % of Hydrogen on dry
ash free basis.
• O= % of Oxygen on dry ash
free basis.
• S= % of Sulphur on dry ash
free basis.
Considering Literature Review, percentage was taken by Mass
Calculations based on theory are as follows:
C= 53.77% O=32.466% H=6.55% (Sulphur percentage neglected
being very small).
Applying to formulae, Generated Heat Energy = 21762.38 KJ/kg
First, steam energy is calculated from generated heat energy which is
70% of heat energy.
Finally, net electric power generated by solid waste is calculated after
accounting heat losses and station service allowance.
Available steam energy = 70% of generated heat energy
Available steam energy = (21762.38×0.70) kJ/kg
Therefore, available steam energy = 15233.666 kJ/kg.
Above calculated steam energy is used to run the turbines, these
turbines are coupled with generators which produces electricity. Heat
rate is the heat input required to produce one unit of electricity
(kWh).
(1 kW = 3,600 kJ/h)
Conversion of energy is not 100% efficient practically. consider, The
conversion efficiency in a power plant = 31.6%
Required heat input = 3600 ÷ 31.6% = 11395 kJ/h
So, 11395 kJ of steam energy is required to produce electrical energy
of 1kWh.
Generated Electric power = Steam energy ÷ 11395 kJ/kWh
Generated Electric power = (15233.666 ÷ 11395) kWh/kg
Generated Electric power = 1.3368 KWh/kg
Total population of Kolkata as per 2023 is 15570786. Waste
generated per person is 0.5 kg therefore total waste will be 77,85,393
kg or 7785.393 tons.
Assuming total solid waste weight used for incineration from an area
on an average =391.9 tons/day. Total Generated Electric power =
(1.3368×391.9×1000) kWh/day.
Therefore, Total Generated Electric power = 523891.92 kWh/day.
Station service allowance = 6% of total Generated Electric power
Station service allowance = (0.06 ×523891.92) kWh/day
Station service allowance = 31433.5152 kWh/day
Unaccounted heat loss = 5% of Generated Electric power
Unaccounted heat loss = (0.05 ×523891.92) kWh/day
Unaccounted heat loss =26194.596kWh/day
Net Generated Electric power = Generated Electric power –(station
service allowance + unaccounted heat loss)
Net Generated Electric power =523891.92 – (31433.5152 +
26194.596)
Net Generated Electric power = 466263.8088 kWh/day = 466.263
MWh/day.
Now, 50 kwh of electricity is required to produced 1 kg of hydrogen
Therefore, 466263.808kwh of electricity would produce 9325.27 kg
of hydrogen per day.
Average Cost to produce 1 KWh state electricity is 6.29 Rupees.
Average Cost to produce 1 KWh state electricity is 7-8 Rupees.
If we utilize this energy to produce hydrogen then India would
produce enough hydrogen (by electrolysis) such that in upcoming
days hydrogen may be used as a next generation fuel (replacing
petrol, diesel and other gasolines). And thus become an independent
country in terms of production of fuel of its own.
Currently, there are 65.75 MW WTE plants are in operation in India
utilizing MSW.

Discovery Of a New Catalyst: -

A new catalyst carbon compound nickel-molybdenum-phosphide

anchored on nickel foam (NiFeMo-P-C), has significantly decreases
the amount of electricity req. to generate both hydrogen and oxygen
from water, providing a clean and efficient means to produce
hydrogen gas. This catalyst is designed to lower the amount of
energy req. for the electrolysis of water, which splits water molecules
into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.
It is known that hydrogen and oxygen gas are split from water
through the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and Oxygen
Evolution Reaction (OER) respectively. The transition metal alloy, or
mixture containing at least one metal, nickel-iron-molybdenum
(NiFeMo) was used as a catalyst for water electrolysis due to the
incomplete filling of electron orbitals in transition metal atoms nickel
and iron, making it an ideal electron donor and acceptor in chemical
reactions. Phosphide was to the catalyst to improve the corrosion
resistance in an alkaline, or basic pH, electrolyte solution.
Overall, the newly developed NiFeMo-P-C electrocatalyst requires
very low overpotentials, or energy required to split water, for HER
𝑚𝐴
(87 mV to achieve a current density of 10 ) and OER (196 mV
𝑐𝑚−2
𝑚𝐴
to achieve a current density of 10 ). The difference in voltage
𝑐𝑚−2
between two electrodes required for water electrolysis using the
𝑚𝐴
catalyst is only 1.50 V at 10 .
𝑐𝑚−2

INCINERATION BOTTOM ASH (IBA)

ALTERNATIVE UTILIZATION
Ashes from waste-to-energy (WTE) plants, also known as incinerator
bottom ash (IBA) and fly ash, can be utilized in various ways. These
applications not only help in managing the waste effectively but also
in recovering resources. Here are some of the primary uses:
1. Construction Material
• Road Construction: IBA can be used as a sub-base material in
road construction due to its stable and durable nature.
• Concrete Production: Fly ash, a by-product of burning
pulverized coal in electric power generating plants, can be used
as a partial replacement for Portland cement in concrete. This
improves the concrete's durability and strength.
• Bricks and Blocks: Ash can be processed and used to
manufacture bricks, paving blocks, and other building materials.
2. Landfill Cover and Soil Amendment
• Landfill Cover: IBA can be used as a daily cover material for
landfills, reducing the amount of virgin soil required.
 • Soil Stabilization: Ash can be used to improve soil properties
for construction projects, such as enhancing the strength and
stability of soil.
3. Aggregate Substitute
• Lightweight Aggregate: Ash can be processed into lightweight
aggregates used in various construction applications, including
lightweight concrete.
• Asphalt Mixtures: Fly ash can be incorporated into asphalt
mixtures to improve performance and reduce costs.
4. Metal Recovery
• Metal Extraction: IBA often contains valuable metals such as
aluminium, iron, and sometimes precious metals like gold and
silver. Advanced processing techniques can extract these metals
for recycling.
5. Environmental Applications
• Cement Kilns: Fly ash can be used in cement kilns, reducing
the need for virgin materials and lowering energy consumption
in cement production.
• Mine Reclamation: Ash can be used to fill and stabilize
abandoned mines, preventing subsidence and environmental
contamination.
6. Industrial Applications
• Manufacturing: Fly ash can be used as a raw material in the
manufacturing of various industrial products, such as glass,
ceramics, and synthetic zeolites.
7. Agricultural Uses
• Soil Amendment: In certain cases, ash can be used to amend
acidic soils, improving soil quality and crop yields. However,
this application is less common due to concerns about potential
contaminants.
Considerations
• Environmental Safety: The use of ash must be carefully
managed to avoid environmental contamination, especially due
to the presence of heavy metals and other potentially hazardous
substances.
• Regulatory Compliance: The use of ash in various applications
is subject to regulatory approval and guidelines to ensure it is
safe and beneficial.
The specific use of ashes from WTE plants depends on the

composition of the ash, local regulations, and available technologies

for processing and utilization.
POLLUTION CONTROL

Air pollution control systems are an integral part of waste-to-energy

plants, which are designed to convert waste into useful energy while
minimizing environmental impact. These plants generate various
emissions, including particulate matter, gases, and pollutants, which
can have a significant impact on air quality and public health. Air
pollution control systems in waste-to-energy plants are designed to
capture and remove these emissions, ensuring compliance with
regulatory standards and reducing the plant's impact on the
environment.
One common air pollution control technology used in waste-to-
energy plants is the flue gas treatment system, which typically
consists of a series of filters and scrubbers that remove particulate
matter and pollutants from the exhaust gases. In addition,
electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) and fabric filters (baghouses) may
be used to capture and remove particulate matter.
Another important technology used in waste-to-energy plants is
selective catalytic reduction (SCR), which is used to reduce
emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by converting them to nitrogen
and water using a catalyst. This technology can significantly reduce
emissions of NOx, which can contribute to smog, acid rain, and
respiratory issues.
Overall, the use of air pollution control systems in waste-to-energy
plants is crucial to promoting a cleaner and healthier environment
while maximizing the benefits of waste-to-energy technology. By
capturing and removing emissions, these systems help to ensure

compliance with regulatory standards, reduce the plant's

environmental impact, and improve air quality for surrounding
communities.

GAS TREATMENT IN WASTE-TO-ENERGY

PLANTS
Gas treatment in waste-to-energy (WTE) plants is a critical process to
ensure that emissions from the combustion of waste meet
environmental regulations and minimize the impact on air quality.
Here's an overview of the key processes and technologies involved in
gas treatment in WTE plants:
1. Primary Gas Treatment
Combustion Control: Optimizing the combustion process to
minimize the formation of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx),
carbon monoxide (CO), and unburned hydrocarbons.
Temperature Management: Ensuring combustion occurs at high
enough temperatures to destroy organic pollutants but not so high as
to form excessive NOx.
2. Secondary Gas Treatment Technologies
Particulate Matter Removal:
Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP): Use electrical charges to collect
particles on plates.
Fabric Filters (Baghouses): Use filter bags to capture fine particles.
Acid Gas Removal:
• Dry Scrubbing: Uses a dry sorbent, such as lime or sodium
bicarbonate, injected into the flue gas to react with and
neutralize acidic gases like SO2, HCl, and HF.
• Wet Scrubbing: Involves a liquid solution (usually lime or
sodium hydroxide) that the flue gas passes through, removing
acidic gases.
NOx Reduction:
Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction (SNCR): Injects ammonia or urea
into the flue gas at high temperatures to reduce NOx to nitrogen and
water.
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): Passes flue gas over a catalyst
with injected ammonia, achieving higher NOx reduction efficiency.
Dioxins and Furans Removal:
Activated Carbon Injection: Activated carbon is injected to adsorb
dioxins, furans, and heavy metals.
Catalytic Filters: Filters with a catalytic coating that can break down
dioxins and furans.
3. Tertiary Gas Treatment Polishing Steps: Additional measures to
ensure trace contaminants are removed, which can include additional
scrubbing, adsorption systems, and advanced oxidation processes.
4. Monitoring and Control Systems
Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS): Track levels of
key pollutants (NOx, SO2, CO, particulate matter, etc.) to ensure
compliance with regulatory limits.
Process Control Systems: Automated systems to adjust operating
parameters in real-time based on emissions data.
5. Residuals Management
Fly Ash Treatment: Fly ash collected from gas treatment systems
may contain concentrated pollutants and needs proper disposal or
further treatment.
Spent Sorbents and Sludges: These are byproducts from scrubbing
processes that also require careful handling and disposal.
Summary of the Process
Waste Combustion: Waste is burned in a furnace, producing flue gas
and ash.
Primary Gas Treatment: Control of combustion conditions to reduce
pollutant formation.
Secondary Gas Treatment: Removal of particulate matter, acidic
gases, NOx, dioxins, and heavy metals.
Tertiary Gas Treatment: Final polishing steps for trace contaminant
removal.
Emission Monitoring: Continuous monitoring to ensure compliance
with emission standards.
Residuals Management: Proper handling and disposal of byproducts.
SLUDGE TREATMENT IN WASTE TO ENERGY
PLANT

Sludge treatment in waste-to-energy (WTE) plants involves

managing and processing the sludge generated from wastewater
treatment processes and other residual byproducts from the plant's
operations. The primary goal is to reduce the volume, stabilize the
organic content, and, where possible, recover energy and resources.
Here is a detailed overview of sludge treatment processes and
technologies in a WtE context:

1. Sludge Sources
Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Sludge: This includes primary
sludge, secondary (biological) sludge, and tertiary sludge from
various stages of wastewater treatment.
Fly Ash and Bottom Ash: Byproducts from the combustion process,
which may contain captured pollutants and need proper handling.
2. Sludge Treatment Processes
a. Thickening
Purpose: Reduces the volume of sludge by removing excess water.
Methods: Gravity thickeners, flotation thickeners, and centrifuges.
b. Stabilization
Purpose: Reduces pathogens, minimizes odor, and stabilizes organic
matter.
Methods:
Anaerobic Digestion: Microorganisms break down organic material
in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas (methane) which can be
used for energy.
Aerobic Digestion: Uses oxygen and microorganisms to stabilize
sludge, but typically produces less biogas than anaerobic digestion.
Lime Stabilization: Addition of lime to raise the pH and reduce
pathogens.
c. Dewatering
Purpose: Further reduces sludge volume by removing water.
Methods: Belt filter presses, centrifuges, screw presses, and drying
beds.
d. Thermal Treatment
Purpose: Reduces volume, destroys pathogens, and may recover
energy.
Methods:
Incineration: Burning sludge at high temperatures, often with energy
recovery.
Thermal Drying: Reducing water content through heat, producing a
dry, granulated product that can be used as fuel.
Gasification: Converting sludge into syngas through partial oxidation
at high temperatures, which can be used for energy production.
e. Resource Recovery
Biogas Utilization: Biogas produced during anaerobic digestion can
be used for electricity, heat, or as a vehicle fuel after cleaning.
Phosphorus Recovery: Technologies like struvite precipitation to
recover phosphorus from sludge, which can be used as fertilizer.
3. Sludge Management and Disposal
a. Land Application
Biosolids: Treated and stabilized sludge can be applied to agricultural
land as a soil conditioner and fertilizer, provided it meets regulatory
standards for contaminants and pathogens.
b. Landfilling
Disposal: Dewatered and stabilized sludge may be disposed of in
landfills, although this is generally a last resort due to environmental
considerations and regulatory constraints.
4. Advanced Treatment Technologies
Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC): Converts wet sludge into hydro
char, a carbon-rich solid that can be used as a fuel or soil amendment.
Pyrolysis: Thermal decomposition of sludge in the absence of
oxygen, producing biochar, bio-oil, and syngas.
Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO): Breaks down organic
compounds in sludge at high temperature and pressure, converting
them into water, carbon dioxide, and inorganic salts.
5. Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
Compliance: Ensuring that sludge treatment processes comply with
local, national, and international regulations regarding emissions,
pathogen reduction, and contaminant levels.
Environmental Impact: Minimizing the carbon footprint, managing
odor, and ensuring safe disposal or beneficial use of treated sludge.
Summary of Sludge Treatment Process
Thickening: Initial volume reduction by removing free water.
Stabilization: Pathogen reduction and organic matter stabilization.
Dewatering: Further reduction of water content to minimize volume.
Thermal Treatment: Volume reduction, pathogen destruction, and
energy recovery.
Resource Recovery: Utilization of biogas, recovery of nutrients.
Management and Disposal: Safe disposal or beneficial use of treated
sludge.
WATER TREATMENT IN WASTE-TO-ENERGY
PLANTS

Water treatment in waste-to-energy (WtE) plants is essential to

manage the various water streams generated during the process and
to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This involves
treating incoming water used in the plant’s operations, as well as
handling and treating wastewater generated from different stages of
the WtE process. Here’s a comprehensive overview of water
treatment in a WtE plant:
1. Sources of Water in WtE Plants
Process Water: Used in various plant processes, including cooling,
ash handling, and flue gas cleaning.
Boiler Feed Water: High-purity water used in boilers to generate
steam for electricity production.
Leachate: Water that percolates through waste, potentially picking up
contaminants.
Stormwater and Runoff: Rainwater and other runoff that may come
into contact with waste materials.
2. Water Treatment Processes
a. Pretreatment
Screening and Filtration: Removes large debris and suspended solids.
Coagulation and Flocculation: Chemicals are added to water to
aggregate small particles into larger flocs, which can then be
removed by sedimentation or filtration.
b. Primary Treatment
Sedimentation: Allows solids to settle out of the water.
Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF): Uses air bubbles to float suspended
particles to the surface for removal.
c. Secondary Treatment
Biological Treatment: Utilizes microorganisms to degrade organic
pollutants.
Activated Sludge Process: Aerobic bacteria break down organic
matter.
Anaerobic Treatment: Anaerobic bacteria decompose organic matter
in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas.
Membrane Bioreactors (MBR): Combines biological treatment with
membrane filtration to provide high-quality effluent.
d. Tertiary Treatment
Advanced Filtration: Sand filters activated carbon filters, or
membrane systems (ultrafiltration, nanofiltration) to remove
remaining solids and organic contaminants.
Disinfection: Eliminates pathogenic microorganisms using methods
such as chlorination, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or ozonation.
e. Chemical Treatment
Neutralization: Adjusts pH using acids or bases.
Chemical Precipitation: Removes specific contaminants like heavy
metals by converting them to insoluble compounds.
3. Specialized Water Treatment Processes
Leachate Treatment: Often involves a combination of biological,
chemical, and physical processes to remove organic and inorganic
contaminants.
Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) Wastewater Treatment: Treats
wastewater from scrubbers that remove Sulfur-dioxide (SO2) from
flue gases. Typically involves removal of heavy metals, sulfates, and
other contaminants.
Condensate Treatment: Recovers and purifies steam condensate for
reuse as boiler feedwater, often involving filtration and ion exchange
processes.
4. Reuse and Recycling
Cooling Water Recirculation: Reusing cooling water to reduce
consumption and discharge.
Treated Effluent Reuse: Using treated wastewater for non-potable
applications within the plant, such as for cleaning or landscape
irrigation.
2. Wastewater Management and Disposal
a) Sludge Handling: Sludge generated from water treatment
processes needs to be dewatered and treated, similar to sludge
from other plant operations.
b) Effluent Discharge: Treated wastewater must meet regulatory
standards before being discharged into water bodies or
municipal sewer systems.
c) Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD): Some plants may implement
ZLD systems to eliminate wastewater discharge, recovering and
reusing water while managing solid waste.
d) Summary of Water Treatment Process
e) Pretreatment: Initial removal of large debris and particles.
f) Primary Treatment: Sedimentation and flotation to remove
suspended solids.
g) Secondary Treatment: Biological processes to degrade organic
pollutants.
h) Tertiary Treatment: Advanced filtration and disinfection for
high-quality effluent.
i) Specialized Treatments: Address specific wastewater streams
such as leachate and FGD wastewater.
j) Reuse and Recycling: Maximizing water reuse within the plant.
k) Wastewater Management: Proper handling and disposal of
sludge and treated effluent.
SCENARIO OF WASTE TO ENERGY IN
INDIA
There are 7 Largest Green Hydrogen Producing Companies in
India:
1. Adani Group
Adani New Industries Ltd (ANIL), a subsidiary of ADANI Group,
announced on June 14, 2022, that it has entered a partnership
with Total Energies SE of France to invest USD 50 billion in India
over the next decade to produce green hydrogen and create an
ecosystem around it. The joint venture is expected to focus on
developing infrastructure for green hydrogen production, storage,
transportation, and distribution across India.
ANIL has set an initial target of producing 1 million tons per annum
of green hydrogen by 2030, which will contribute significantly to the
country's renewable energy goals. To achieve this target, ANIL has
signed a development and licensing agreement with Melbourne-
based hydrogen technology firm, Cavendish Renewable Technology
(CRT), in December 2022. The agreement covers the development of
alkaline electrolyzers, polymer exchange membranes (PEMs), anion
exchange membranes (AEMs), and CRT's innovative "C-Cell"
technology for mass-scale green hydrogen production.
2. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd
As part of its decarbonization drive, Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL)
has set a target to replace at least 10% of its current fossil-fuel-based
hydrogen with green hydrogen at its refineries. The company is also
establishing a subsidiary to house its green energy businesses. IOCL
plans to produce 5% of its hydrogen as green hydrogen by 2027-28,
with a target of 10% by 2029-30, as stated in its 2022 annual report.
To kick-start this initiative, IOCL is setting up green hydrogen plants
at its Panipat and Mathura refineries, the nation's largest oil firm.
IOCL's transition towards green hydrogen production and its
establishment of a subsidiary for green energy businesses are
significant steps towards India's renewable energy goals. The
company's investment in green hydrogen technologies and its efforts
to replace fossil-fuel-based hydrogen with green hydrogen could
drive innovation and accelerate the adoption of green energy in
India's energy mix.

3. Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd

India’s largest oil and gas explorer and producer ONGC (Oil &
Natural Gas Corporation) has made significant advancements to enter
the list of companies producing green hydrogen in India.
It signed an MoU with M/s Greenko ZeroC Private Limited, in July
2022 for spending USD 6.2 billion on renewable energy and green
hydrogen projects. The JV will collaborate together to explore the
opportunities of making green hydrogen and its derivatives, including
green ammonia.
This MoU between ONGC and Greenko, a leading renewable energy
company in India, will be valid for two years. During this period,
Greenko will assist ONGC in its green energy endeavors, supporting
India's National Hydrogen Mission to establish India as a global hub
for green hydrogen production.
This partnership between ONGC and Greenko could contribute
significantly to India's renewable energy goals and reduce the
country's dependence on fossil fuels. Green hydrogen production,
along with its derivatives such as green ammonia, could play a
critical role in India's energy transition and promote sustainable and
environmentally friendly energy production. Furthermore, this
initiative could encourage other companies to invest in green energy,
driving innovation and accelerating the adoption of green energy in
India's energy mix.
4. GAIL India Ltd
On May 12, 2022, GAIL, India's leading natural gas company,
announced that it had awarded a contract for the installation of one of
the largest Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolysers in India.
The project, based on renewable power, will be set up at GAIL's
Vijaipur Complex, located in the Guna district of Madhya Pradesh.
The electrolyzer, with a capacity of around 10 MW, is expected to
produce approximately 4.3 MT of green hydrogen per day. The
project is scheduled to be commissioned by November 2023.
GAIL's initiative to set up a large-scale PEM Electrolyser in India
shows the company's continued efforts to expand its green energy
portfolio. With the commissioning of this green hydrogen project,
GAIL could become a major player in India's green hydrogen market.
The use of renewable power to produce green hydrogen could help
reduce India's dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to the
country's renewable energy goals.
5. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd
BPCL, one of India's leading oil marketing companies, is making
strides in the green hydrogen industry. In June 2022, BPCL invited
bids to install a 5 MW electrolyzer system, which would be used to
set up a green hydrogen production facility in a phased manner in
one of its city gas distribution projects.
6. National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd
India’s largest electricity producer, NTPC, has announced plans to
allocate about 5 GW of capacity in the green hydrogen and ammonia
business from its target of 60 GW in green portfolios by 2032.
The company has initiated three pilot projects to develop its
hydrogen business. One pilot project involves blending green
hydrogen with natural gas at its Kawas plant in Gujarat. In the second
pilot project, NTPC is setting up a green hydrogen filling station in
Leh, along with solar plants. The company aims to run hydrogen-
based fuel cell buses there.
In the third pilot project, NTPC is producing hydrogen with carbon
capture at its Vindhyachal plant in Madhya Pradesh. These initiatives
are expected to help NTPC develop a deeper understanding of the
green hydrogen business and advance its efforts in reducing carbon
emissions.

7. Larsen & Toubro Ltd

In August 2022, L&T, one of the largest EPC companies in the
world, commissioned a green hydrogen plant at its AM Naik Heavy
Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat. The plant has a daily
production capacity of 45 Kg of green hydrogen, which is used for
captive consumption in the company’s Hazira manufacturing
complex.
In January 2022, L&T signed a memorandum of understanding with
Norway-based electrolyser technology and
manufacturer HydrogenPro AS to set up a gigawatt-scale
manufacturing unit for alkaline water electrolysers based on
HydrogenPro technology in India.
THE WASTE TO ENERGY POWERPLANTS THAT ARE IN
PROCESS IN INDIA
Timarpur-Okhla Waste Management Co Pvt Ltd
Timarpur-Okhla Waste Management Co Pvt Ltd is an initiative of
M/s Jindal ITF Ecopolis. JITF Urban Infrastructure Ltd won the bid
to develop the project on a Built Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT)
basis, in a Public private partnership with the Delhi Government as
legal Entity: Timarpur Okhla Waste Management Co Pvt Ltd. The
incineration plant was commissioned in January 2012 and is
processing 2,000 tons per day (TPD) and generating 16 MW.
Waste to Energy Plant, Nashik, Maharashtra
Like many cities in India, the city of Nashik is also struggling with
citywide Solid Waste and Wastewater management. Therefore, there
is an urgent need for an integrated approach to solid waste and
wastewater management on the one hand and control of Green House
Gas (GHG) emissions on the other hand. The Waste to Energy
Project in Nashik is one such solution through co-processing of
septage (faecal sludge) with organic solid waste and generating
energy to create a sustainable business model.
Scale: Daily 10 to 15 tons of food and vegetable waste from
approximately 500 restaurants and 10 to 20 tons of septage from 400
community toilets are collected by trucks and delivered to the plant
Implementing mode: Design – Finance - Build – Own – Operate –
Transfer (DFBOOT)
Implementing agency:
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
GmbH
Area: 6000 sq.m, provided by Nashik Municipal Corp (NMC).
Processing Capacity: 30 Tonne/day
Operational since: December, 2017
O&M: NMC will give INR 5 lakh per annum for management
Power Generation: 3300 kWh/day

Municipal Solid Waste to Energy Power Plant at Jabalpur

Municipal Solid Waste to Energy Power Plant at Jabalpur Municipal
Corporation Jabalpur has installed Waste to Energy Power Plant at
Village Kathoda, Jabalpur.
Sl.No Items Particulars
1. Operators Name Jabalpur MSW Pvt. Ltd.
2. Capacity of the Plant 11.5 MW
3. Cost of the project Rs. 177.95 Crores
4. Date of commissioning May 2016
5. Date of start of trial run May 2016
6. MSW Consumption (for 600 TPD
designed capacity)
7. Process of disposal Incineration:-
• Waste (MSW) is dumped
in waste pit
• From pit the waste is
mechanically segregated
by crane. Big objects like
stone, civil debris, inert
are separated.
• MSW feed hopper to
furnace (Mass
combustion)
• Flow gasses through APC
(Air Pollution Control
measures)
8. Boiler Capacity 56 TPH (Stoker fired Boiler)
9. Stack Height 50 Meters
10. Water Consumption • Cooling – 108 KLD
• DM Plant – 38.4 KLD
• Domestic – 2 KLD
• Others – 84 KLD
• Total – 232 KLD
11. Air Pollution Control 1. Evaporation Cooler (To
Measures cool the gasses if
temperature is more than
1600C water is sprayed)
2. Activated Carbon &
hydrated lime is injected
 to control the NOx, SO2
in Flue gasses.
3. Flue gasses then treated
by Bag House before
emission through stack
(50 Meter Height).
12. Online Monitoring System Online Continuous Stack
Monitoring System is installed
linked with MPPCB Website.
13. Waste Water Treatment and ETP for treatment of
Disposal wastewater/leachate has been
installed. ETP has following
units: -
1. Screen Chamber
2. Oils Skinner
3. Collection Tank
4. UASB Reactor (Up flow
anaerobic sludge blanket)
5. Aeration Tank
6. Secondary Settling Tank
7. Chlorine Dosing Tank
8. Multi grade filter
14. Net Calorific value of 1678.27 Kcal/Kg. (As
MSW Reported by the operator)
CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the “Green Hydrogen Production from Waste” project

has demonstrated the viability and potential of utilising household
and commercial waste to produce green hydrogen which has the
immense possibility of becoming a fuel of the future due to its
combustible properties along with the ability to reduce carbon
emissions in the air to negligible amount. In this age where the
availability of fossil fuels in the near future is in question, this project
has the potential to solve this issue by providing an alternate source.
Currently, most of the hydrogen produced is from fossil fuels called
“Grey Hydrogen”. There have been developments in this “Green
Hydrogen” production. This project of our has the potential to
become a milestone in developing the Green Hydrogen project.

I hereby thank everyone associated with completion of this project.