Question : Energy Production

(a) whether the Government has taken any steps to utilize the waste generated at the time of construction activities of various kinds for energy production;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken by the Government in this regard;
(c) the total number of waste to energy plants currently operational in the country, State/UT-wise including Maharashtra ?
(d) whether the Government proposes to open more waste to energy plants in the country and if so, the details and the locations thereof, State /UT wise including Maharashtra;
(e) whether the Government has carried out any study to assess the cost effectiveness of these plants, if so, the details and the outcome thereof and if not, the reasons therfor; and
(f) whether these plants may/are likely to add to air pollution, if so, the details thereof and reaction of the Government thereto and the steps taken by the Government in this regards?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL & NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a)&(b): No Sir. Energy cannot be generated from waste generated at the time of construction activities of various kinds except woody wastes. However, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is currently implementing a “Programme on Energy from Urban, Industrial and Agricultural Wastes/Residues”. As per the direction of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, 5 pilot projects based on municipal solid wastes, has been taken up for production of electricity. Details of the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) provided by the Ministry for setting up projects of different categories and for other promotional activities are given at Annexure - A.
(c): 3 waste to energy plants are currently operational in the country as per details given at Annexure – B.
(d): In addition to the above, Ministry of Urban Development has launched “Swachh Bharat Mission” (SBM) on 2nd October, 2014 with the target to make the country clean by 2nd October, 2019. The Mission, among other measures, includes Solid Waste Management including Waste to Energy for which there is a provision for 20% of project cost as Viability Gap Funding (VGF)/Grant where State Governments or Urban Local Bodies can opt for any feasible waste processing technology. A list of 21 plants under construction/tendering or agreement stage is given at Annexure - C.
(e): The waste to energy plants are cost effective with the Generic Tariff as given at Annexure – D for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and Biogas based Waste to Energy (WTE) projects notified by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC).
(f): The waste to energy plants are supposed to comply emission norms prescribed by MoEF & CC in Waste Management and Handling Rules 2000.
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