CASE STUDY 06
Jabalpur’s Green Revolution
InfraEn Champions Jabalpur’s Green Revolution: Transforming Waste into Sustainable Energy
InfraEn (India) Private Limited served as the independent engineer for Jabalpur’s groundbreaking Waste-to-Energy (WtE) project in Madhya Pradesh. This innovative initiative stands as a key example of India’s commitment to sustainable urban development under the Smart Cities mission. Operational since March 2018, the plant has played a vital role in converting municipal solid waste (MSW) into energy, contributing 17.2% of the nation’s total WtE capacity.
Jabalpur WtE Project: Vision and Impact
The project addresses two critical urban challenges: managing the city’s growing waste problem and minimizing its carbon footprint. Jabalpur’s WtE plant powers 18,000 homes while reducing 37,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The 11.5 MW facility also prevents the conversion of 4.4 hectares of land into landfill, significantly mitigating soil and water pollution.
A Smart City Approach to Waste Collection and Transport
Jabalpur generates 743 metric tonnes of MSW daily, collected from 276,000 households spread across 79 wards. The city has implemented a smart waste management system using RFID technology to track collection in real-time. Sensors in community bins alert the municipal system when 90% capacity is reached, optimizing waste pickups and reducing unnecessary vehicle routes. The entire operation, managed through GPS monitoring, ensures transparency and accountability, with an investment of ₹1,830 million to build this cutting-edge waste collection infrastructure.
Engineering Excellence at the Heart of the Plant
Developed by Essel Infraprojects Limited in collaboration with Hitachi Zosen Corporation, the 65-acre WtE plant in Kothonda operates under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Essel Infraprojects will manage the plant for 15 years before transferring control to the state government. The project’s $17.3 million development cost highlights the city’s commitment to sustainable solutions.
The plant employs a grate combustion system, efficiently converting unsorted MSW into energy without the need for pre-sorting or shredding. Steam generated from the incineration process powers turbines to produce electricity. European-standard emission controls ensure minimal environmental impact, making the plant a model of eco-friendly engineering.
Jabalpur: A Blueprint for Sustainable Cities
Jabalpur’s WtE project is not only a pioneering step in India’s journey towards sustainability but also a model for urban innovation. By integrating digital tools and smart technology with traditional waste management, the city demonstrates how waste can be turned into a valuable resource. With reduced landfill dependency, lowered emissions, and renewable energy generation, Jabalpur’s approach sets a new benchmark for cities across the globe in sustainable development.
