Waste management is a critical global issue with significant local ramifications, prompting concerted efforts to minimize waste generation and maximize recycling and reuse, as emphasized by the United Nations. In India, the challenge is particularly pronounced, with a staggering 62 million tonnes of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated annually.
Project Name: Waste To Energy (WTE) Campus at Jamnagar
Studio Name: INI Design Studio
Project Location: Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
Completion Year: November 2021
Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2): 7825 m2
Plant Size: 7.5 MW Generation
Client: Goodswatts WTE Jamnagar Private Limited (SPV Abellon Clean Energy Group)
Firm Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
INI Team: Ar. Jayesh Hariyani (Project Director), Ar. Rakhi Rupani (Project Lead), Ar. Bhargav A Bhavsar (Sr. Project Architect), Er. Amit Mehta (Project Director – MEPF Eng.)
Photo Credits: INI Design Studio
However, only 69% of this waste is collected, and a mere 28% undergoes treatment, leading to the proliferation of open landfills across the country. In response to this pressing environmental concern and in alignment with international agreements such as the Paris Accord and COP 26, as well as domestic initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission spearheaded by Prime Minister Modi, Abellon, a pioneering entity in India’s Waste-to-Energy (WTE) sector, has embarked on a mission to address this challenge.
The objective of Abellon’s initiative is to process and dispose of a significant portion of urban waste using advanced controlled combustion technology. This approach aims to achieve two crucial goals: firstly, to minimize the environmental impact associated with waste disposal, and secondly, to harness clean energy resources from the waste stream. This endeavor is fully compliant with regulatory frameworks such as the MSW Rule 2016 initiated by the Government of India through the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, as well as European Emission Norms, ensuring that the process is environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
One of Abellon’s flagship projects is the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) campus located in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Spanning over 7825 square meters, this campus exemplifies innovation and sustainability in waste management. It has the capacity to convert a staggering 220,000 tons of MSW annually into clean energy, equivalent to powering 15,000 homes. What sets this project apart is its commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. The campus is situated on a 17-acre plot of barren land, which has been transformed into a lush greenbelt, complete with amenities such as jogging tracks, playfields, and community spaces. This not only mitigates the environmental impact of waste disposal but also enhances the quality of life for local residents.
The design of the WTE campus is guided by the principle of “form follows function,” prioritizing efficiency and effectiveness in waste processing. The structure itself is constructed using lightweight, prefabricated recycled steel, allowing for vertical stacking of equipment and maximizing space utilization. The use of translucent, recyclable multilayered polycarbonate façade systems minimizes the surface-to-volume ratio, thereby enhancing thermal performance and reducing operational costs. Additionally, the design incorporates water conservation measures and extensive landscaping, including orchards, green hedge walls, and water bodies, creating a pleasant and sustainable environment for both workers and local residents.
Moreover, the project goes beyond waste-to-energy conversion by exploring additional value chains in the waste management sector. This includes producing BioCNG from organic MSW content, recovering recyclable plastic, and converting fly ash into green construction blocks, contributing to the circular economy. Furthermore, the design of the campus incorporates educational and research facilities, providing opportunities for knowledge dissemination and skill development in the field of waste management.
Lauding the effort, the WTE campus has been awarded the distinction of “India’s first platinum-rated net-zero Green Waste-to-Energy Campus” by the Indian Green Building Council, as well as the 2023 Green Good Design Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. These accolades underscore the project’s exemplary contribution to environmental sustainability and its potential to serve as a model for future waste management initiatives.
