Soon, waste water may power homes in Kerala | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Soon, waste water may power homes in Kerala

ByANI, New Delhi
Jun 22, 2016 03:32 PM IST

Sewage water may soon become Kerala’s next source of electricity as a team of scientists has developed a technology to tap power generation from the same.

Sewage water may soon become Kerala’s next source of electricity as a team of scientists has developed a technology to tap power generation from the same.

Microbial Fuel Cells or MFCs is a biochemical reactor that relies on microbes for the production of power from sewage water.(HT file)
Microbial Fuel Cells or MFCs is a biochemical reactor that relies on microbes for the production of power from sewage water.(HT file)

Developed by Amrita School of Biotechnology, the technology, called Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs), converts chemical energy of feedstock into electricity by exploiting the metabolism of the microorganisms. Though the technology is still in its early stage, it offers great potential as an alternative to fossil fuel based energy generation.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Microbial Fuel Cells or MFCs is a biochemical reactor that relies on microbes for the production of power.

“MCFs can produce electricity from organic waste water. The waste water acts as a substrate for the microorganisms. Microbial digestion of the organic waste will generate electrons which the MFC can harvest. Additionally, the usage of waste water and its subsequent digestion also results in its treatment rendering it fit for discharge. In a nutshell, the MFC function as an energy generator and a bioremediation unit,” said Ajith Madhavan, Senior Lecturer at Amrita School of Biotechnology.

He added “It is a developing technology for sustainable energy production and waste treatment. MFCs can be employed as a grid connected and/or as off-grid decentralized energy source.”

“If appropriate technology enables MFC to be scaled up to a larger extent, the power so generated can be directly exported to the utility grid. Apart from that, it can potentially be used as standalone units to power rural lighting systems, mobile phones, navigation buoys, laptops etc,” Madhavan told Indian Science Journal.

The global energy demand will soar to 45 percent by the year 2030 with an average annual increase of 1.6 percent (as projected from 2006 onwards). India along with China will account for nearly half of this demand. In such a scenario, complete dependence and inefficient use of conventional energy sources which is reflected in the energy intensity (energy consumption compared to gross domestic product indices) of our country that remains higher than USA and the entire sub-continent of Asia, will be disadvantageous.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On