Chennai-based start-up Paterson Energy is looking to set up a 5 tonne-per-day plastic waste-to-fuel project in Pallikaranai and hoping to tap corporate social responsibility funds for the project.

The company uses a technology called plastic pyrolysis and builds plants at locations where it can process plastic waste to produce liquid fuel, which is cheaper than diesel.

This can be used as an alternative to fuel generators, industrial boilers, kilns, furnaces, diesel-powered engines and other such equipment.

It claims that there will be over 20% savings on fuel bills.

Cheaper than diesel

The oil generated as a result of these processes is sold at ₹40/litre on average. The model can generate 500 litres of oil for each tonne of plastic waste. However, the yield depends on the feedstock – the more homogeneous the material, the better the yield output.

“We can also source single-use plastic, which is not normally picked up by ragpickers, for conversion into fuel. But the challenge is we need huge volumes,” Vidya Amarnath, Director, Paterson Energy, said.

“If the State government can bring in regulations on collection of such plastic waste through various collection centres, it would be of great help for us to source,” she added.

She said that the company is working with the Tamil Nadu government in setting up plastic waste-to-fuel plants at feasible locations.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Tamil Nadu / by Sanjay Vijayakumar / Chennai – December 22nd, 2018