BWSSB to Use Solar Sludge Systems at STPs

25 Jul 2025 CW Team

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to implement solar sludge drying systems at its Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to generate electricity and organic fertiliser from dried sewage sludge. This green initiative, under the World Bank-supported Urban Water Security and Disaster Management project, aims to make STPs financially self-sustaining while promoting environmental sustainability.

The systems will be installed at locations such as Saul Kere and Chikkabegur Lake. At Chikkabegur, the solar drying method will allow conversion of wet sewage sludge into reusable dry matter, which can then be repurposed as organic fertiliser. Solar panels at these sites are expected to generate electricity to support plant operations, reducing dependence on external energy sources.

The Rs 13.23 billion project includes a Rs 10 billion loan from the World Bank and aims to enhance wastewater treatment, flood control, and groundwater recharge across Bengaluru.

BWSSB plans to construct nine new STPs under the initiative, with about Rs 7.06 billion earmarked for the Bommanahalli zone. Works will include lake rejuvenation, pipeline networks, lift pumping stations, and green technology installations such as the 15 MLD unit at Chikkabegur.

BWSSB is already producing 2.5 MW of electricity from biogas at five major STPs, including those at K&C Valley, Vrishabhavathi Valley, Hebbal, and Bellandur. Building on this, the board now plans to establish a 500 kW biogas-powered plant at the upcoming 35 MLD STP in Anjanapura.

Officials said the integrated approach offers dual benefits—reduced operational costs and improved environmental outcomes—by combining solar and biogas energy with sustainable sludge management.

Infrastructure Urban

25 Sep 2025

PNC Infratech Bags Rs 4.96 Billion Bihar Bridge Project

PNC Infratech Ltd on Friday announced it has received a letter of acceptance (LoA) worth Rs 4.96 billion from the Bihar State Road Development Corporation (BSRDC).The contract involves constructing a high-level bridge and approach road along the Hathouri–Atrar–Bavangama–Aurai Road, covering a total distance of 21.3 km. Awarded under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, the project is scheduled for completion within 1,095 days, or three years.The company confirmed that neither its promoters nor group entities hold any financial or business interest in the awarding a..

India Secures Second Deep-Sea PMS Exploration Contract

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced the signing of a 15-year contract between the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the International Seabed Authority (ISA) granting India exclusive rights to explore Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) across a 10,000 sq km area of the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean, according to an MoES release.With this agreement, India becomes the first country globally to hold two PMS exploration contracts with ISA, reinforcing its pioneering role in deep-sea resource exploration and strategic presence in the Indian Ocean.Dr Singh said the contract represents a ma..

Odisha Unveils Policy to Attract Investment in Pumped Storage

The Odisha government, after identifying 45 potential sites for Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) earlier this year, has introduced a policy framework to monitor and regulate PSPs in the state. The policy is designed to attract investment from public and private developers and aligns with the PSP Policy 2025 and the Renewable Energy Policy 2022.The Energy Department’s latest Operational Guidelines to Odisha PSP Policy identify potential locations for off-the-river closed-loop PSPs. With many sites still unregistered or unsurveyed by state and central agencies, and with the growing importance of..