Committed to working towards a greener future, Akshaya Patra has adopted a new organic waste to biogas system at its Ballari kitchen. Developed by the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) and licensed to Hyderabad-based Ahuja Engineering Services, this is a first of its kind one-ton capacity organic waste anaerobic gas lift reactor (AGR). Capable of generating 120-150 cubic metres of biogas, the system converts vegetable and food waste to energy. The process also generates good quantities of organic manure.

Akshaya Patra’s Chief Projects Officer, R Madan said that with the support of the Tata Trust, Akshaya Patra aims to adopt similar technologies across all of its kitchens. “We plan to serve 5 million meals in the country in the future with the active support of State Governments. To sustain such large operations, we are looking for green technologies that could help us replace LPG as fuel,” he adds.

Madan says that Akshaya Patra has placed orders for 1.5-ton organic waste-to-biogas units for its Ahmedabad and Hubballi kitchens. Speaking about plans to adopt Green technologies, Madan said that Akshaya Patra will be installing an AGR at its upcoming kitchen in Varanasi, besides other large kitchens.

Shruti Ahuja, Director and Business Head at Ahuja Engineering Services said they would complete the installation of the second plant with higher capacity at the Foundation’s kitchen in Ahmedabad this year. “It is very likely that the similar system or its higher configuration could be considered for its other kitchens spread across the country,” she said.

“Over time all our kitchens will be equipped with biogas units. This is part of our Go Green initiatives,” said Madan.