Cheaper Energy, Cleaner India: Chennai Startup Produces 500 Litre Diesel-Substitute Fuel From A Tonne Of Plastic Waste

Chennai-based start-up Paterson Energy is planning to set up a five tonne-per-day plastic waste-to-fuel venture in Pallikaranai with the intention to tap corporate social responsibility assets for its venture, reports The Hindu.

The organisation utilises an innovative method called plastic pyrolysis and establishes plants in the areas where it can process plastic waste to deliver liquid fuel, which is less expensive than diesel. This can be utilised as an energy-alternative by industrial boilers, fuel generators, furnaces, diesel-powered engines, kilns and other such hardware.

The oil produced because of these procedures is sold at Rs 40 per litre by and large. The model can produce 500 litres of oil for every ton of plastic waste. However, the yield relies upon the quality of the feedstock – the more homogeneous the material, the better the yield.

“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,” said, Vidya Amarnath, Director, Paterson Energy.

“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 the source,” she added.

She said that the organisation is working with the Tamil Nadu government in setting up plants to convert plastic waste-to-fuel at areas which are practical or feasible.