Biogas, a renewable energy source derived from organic matter breakdown, is gaining momentum for its environmental benefits. In Tamil Nadu’s Rameswaram Mangammal Chatram, the Shakti Surabi Biogas plant has been operational for 25 years, revolutionising kitchen waste management and reducing reliance on conventional gas cylinders.
Established by the Vivekananda Kendra, the Sakthi Surabi Biogas plant harnesses kitchen waste to produce cooking gas, effectively setting up over 100 such plants across Rameswaram. Unlike previous attempts using cow and human waste, this innovative system focuses on vegetable scraps, old rice and fish, yielding significant success.
With a capacity of 1 cubic meter, the biogas plant generates approximately 370 grams of LPG gas from every 1 kg of organic waste, offering substantial savings equivalent to three or four LPG cylinders per year. This initiative has reached 100 fishermen’s houses in Rameswaram, benefitting communities in Pudur, Natarajapuram, Ramakrishnapuram and Dhanushkodi.
Praised by researchers at Pramos Company, Shakti Surabi Biogas stands as a sustainable solution with a 25-year lifespan and minimal maintenance costs. Setting up the plant requires an initial investment of Rs. 28,000, with repairs unnecessary and only cow dung required for the initial setup.
Introduced in 1998 after extensive research phases, Shakti Surabi Biogas garnered international recognition, earning the prestigious Aston Award from London for its energy-saving technology. Its success has prompted interest from countries like India, China and South Africa, where biogas utilisation can alleviate energy demands and reduce environmental impact.
In states like Kerala, biogas adoption is prevalent, signalling its potential for widespread use across India. Sridhar of Vivekananda Kendra showed the importance of embracing biogas technology to alleviate the burden of gas cylinder costs for Tamil Nadu residents.
The success of Shakti Surabi Biogas highlights the transformative potential of sustainable energy solutions in addressing environmental challenges while providing tangible benefits to local communities. With continued support and adoption, biogas technology promises a cleaner, greener future for all.
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