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Garbage In, Energy Out
March 3, 2008

The topic of human and animal waste may not be pleasant meal conversation but I was fascinated when I read about Sintex biogas digester. The digester uses bacteria that breaks down waste (human excrements, cow dung and garbage) and emits methane gas, which is captured and then used as energy.

Source: CNN

This digester is particularly useful in India (where Sintex is based) as it addresses two important regional issues: energy need and sanitation. One cubic meter digester can provide enough gas to cook meals for household of four people and the sludge remains can be used as fertilizer. At $425, the digester is beyond the financial reach of many families but the government has agreed to subsidize a portion of the cost. In addition, open defecation is a major concern in many parts of India and the government hopes large scale biogas plants will be part of the solution.

Sintex is a plastics and textile manufacturer, so the biogas digester is only a small portion of its business, for now. The company does plan to increase investment and hopefully increase the installation base in the next year. I find it very interesting that an old business is creating new solutions to current issues, especially when compared against news of China’s largest plastic bag factory shutting down, due to the recent government ban on ultra-thin plastic bags. Maybe getting rid of the old and welcoming the new isn’t always a bad thing.

CindyC at Organicpicks

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