Mayor Atiqul Islam of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has announced that the construction work for the power generation project from waste will commence in January next year. He stated that the China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) engineers and workers have initiated the project. Through a total of four turbines, the plant will produce 42.5 megawatts of electricity per hour. At least one turbine will be operational by 2025.
Mayor Atiqul Islam mentioned these details while inspecting the “Waste to Energy Plant” construction work at Amin Bazar Landfill on Tuesday afternoon. This electricity center will cost a total of Tk 1,272 crore under the “1st Revised Project of Amin Bazar Landfill Expansion and Modernization.”
Mayor Atiqul Islam stated that the waste-to-electricity project will ensure smart waste management. It will transform waste into assets, contributing to the cleanliness of environmentally friendly Dhaka.
The Chinese company has been allocated 30 acres of land, and the project is expected to take about two years to complete, meaning that electricity production will begin from this project by 2026. Dhaka North City will supply three thousand metric tons of waste daily for electricity production.
Mayor Atiqul Islam emphasized that the medals won at the recent Olympics were made from e-waste components, similar to those found in mobile phones. This highlights the importance of proper e-waste management. He also mentioned another approved project, stating that many buildings are being demolished in the country, and their waste can be utilized for this project. The broken bricks and concrete from these buildings will be used for construction blocks. He highlighted the absence of any project for medical waste management in the country and stressed the need for effective management using modern technology.
At present, China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Li Jiming, was present. He stated, “China is beside Bangladesh in building a smart country. The responsibility for the first 25 years of the project lies with China’s CMEC. The waste-to-electricity project may not be a mega project, but it is extremely important. Through this project, smart waste management will be ensured.”
Dhaka North City Corporation officials reported that the project received approval from the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on October 31. The government (GOB) will provide Tk 1,243.48 crore, and the City Corporation will contribute Tk 28.56 crore.
The primary objective of the waste-to-energy project is to reduce pressure on land by compaction. Besides, the project aims to collect waste through environmentally friendly methods, ensure disposal at specified locations, reduce carbon emissions from waste, and transform waste into assets. The project involves the acquisition of 80 acres of land, with 30 acres allocated for the construction of the waste-to-energy plant and 50 acres for medical and e-waste landfill. The project also includes the purchase of three hydraulic excavators, six chain dozers, and two long-arm excavators for construction work.
