Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, Minister of Housing & Urban Development, Government of Odisha, visited the RAMANA Waste-to-Charcoal Plant in Varanasi, known as the “Varanasi Harit Koyla Pariyojana,” to study its pioneering Zero Residue Green Technology for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management.
The facility utilises the torrefaction process—a thermochemical treatment of waste at 250–300°C in a controlled oxygen environment. This method removes moisture and volatile matter, converting waste into torrefied charcoal: a hydrophobic, carbon-rich fuel with high calorific value that can replace fossil coal.
Environmental & Energy Impact
- A 400 TPD (tonnes per day) plant prevents 13 TPD methane emissions, earning approximately 390 carbon credits through same-day waste processing.
- It produces 100 TPD of green charcoal, directly substituting fossil coal and saving 250–290 TPD of carbon emissions.
- NTPC has adopted this model under its CSR initiative, successfully integrating torrefied charcoal into its thermal power plants.
The Municipal Corporation of Varanasi has allocated 16 acres of land and trunk infrastructure for the facility, signalling strong institutional support.
Commending the initiative, Dr. Mohapatra stated:
“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 Minister’s visit aligns with Odisha’s broader vision to integrate waste-to-energy solutions into urban development and set a national benchmark in climate-resilient municipal governance.
Key officials present during the visit included Mr. Binaya Ku Dash, Addl Secretary & Mission Director SBM, Odisha; Ashish Ranjan, DGM (WTE), NTPC Varanasi; Omendra Srivastava, Chief Technical Advisor, RCUE, MoHUA; and R.C. Niranjan, Zonal Sanitation Officer, Varanasi Nagar Nigam.
