Odisha: H&UD Minister Visits RAMANA’s Waste-to-Charcoal Plant in Varanasi

Varanasi/Bhubaneswar: Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, Minister, Housing & Urban Development, Government of Odisha, visited the Waste-to-Charcoal Plant RAMANA, Varanasi, the ” Varanasi Harit Koyla Pariyojana” to study its innovative Zero Residue Green Technology for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management.

The plant demonstrates the torrefaction process — a thermochemical treatment of waste at 250–300°C in a controlled oxygen environment. Through this process, moisture and volatile matter are removed, and the waste is transformed into torrefied charcoal: a hydrophobic, high-calorific-value, carbon-rich fuel that can effectively substitute fossil coal.

Environmental & Energy Impact

A 400 TPD plant can prevent 13 TPD methane emissions, earning nearly 390 carbon credits by same-day processing of waste. It can generate 100 TPD of green charcoal, replacing an equal amount of fossil coal.

This substitution translates into a saving of 250–290 TPD of carbon emissions, offering significant climate benefits.

The Municipal Corporation Varanasi has already earmarked 16 acres of land along with trunk infrastructure support for the facility . Significantly, NTPC has adopted this model under its CSR initiative and is successfully using the torrefied charcoal in its thermal power plants, reducing reliance on conventional coal.

 

Dr. Mohapatra commended the initiative, remarking, “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 marks a step forward in Odisha’s vision to integrate waste-to-energy solutions into urban development and set a national benchmark in climate-friendly municipal governance.

During the visit Binaya Ku Dash Addl Secretary & Mission Director SBM ,Odisha, Ashish Ranjan DGM (WTE)NTPC Varanasi, Omendra Srivastava Chief Technical Advisor RCUE, MoHUA, R C.Niranjan Zonal Sanitation Officer Varanasi Nagar Nigam and other Officers were present and briefed the Minister.