Chennai inaugurates integrated solar dryer and pyrolysis project

03 May 2021 CW Team

Chennai recently witnessed the inauguration of the Integrated Solar Dryer and Pyrolysis pilot project focusing on urban waste management, by K J Sreeram, Director, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai.

The project focuses on managing and streamlining the collection, segregation, treatment, and disposal systems of urban wastes in Indian Smart Cities as well as other urban centres on their path to Sustainability.

It is aimed at developing the technology needed for the joint processing of Fibrous Organic Waste (FOW) and Sewage Sludge (SS) of Indian smart cities into highly valuable biochar associated with energy recovery, carbon sequestration and environmental conservation.

Through the Pyrasol project, simple and robust processing techniques for abandoned organic waste will be further developed to improve sanitation and welfare, supply regenerative energy, convert waste into products and reduce the carbon footprint of smart cities.

It does so by an innovative organic waste drying system using the solar natural chimney effect followed by a highly efficient single-chamber pyrolysis.

Biochar and clean energy (heat and power) produced by pyrolysis (super-heating biomass in closed system ovens) provide an alternative form of energy, reducing greenhouse gases by offsetting fossil fuel use and working along with the climate action.

In addition to soil, biochar captures and sequesters the carbon that otherwise would oxidise and return to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and causes global warming. Biochar-amended soils are known to reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 50-80%.

Chennai is one of India’s first 20 smart cities to nurture this innovation in managing its waste effectively and undertake extensive wastewater treatment.

Image Source

Also read: Integrated Solar Dryer and Pyrolysis project inaugurated in Chennai

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..