PMC to implement first-of-its-kind project to generate green hydrogen from waste

“PMC has been trying all possible scientific methods to process the waste generated in the city. The waste-to-energy projects have also been explored by the city and the waste to hydrogen production is one of them,” said the Deputy Municipal Commissioner in charge, Civic Solid Waste Management Department.

PMC has joined hands with Variant Pune Waste to Energy Pvt Ltd to produce nine metric tonne of hydrogen every day by processing 350 metric tonne of waste. (File)

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After the Union government approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission and increase renewable energy use to reduce carbon emissions, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken the lead to produce green hydrogen from waste and implement first of its kind project that would pave way for its expansion across the city.

“PMC has been trying all possible scientific methods to process the waste generated in the city. The waste-to-energy projects have also been explored by the city and the waste to hydrogen production is one of them. PMC will be able to get 350 metric tonne of its waste process at the plant,” said Asha Raut, Deputy Municipal Commissioner in charge, Civic Solid Waste Management Department.

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Junior Engineer Rajendra Tidke said the waste-to-hydrogen generation project would help the civic body increase its waste processing capacity and also help in the generation of renewable energy. “The implementing agency has got all necessary approvals for implementation of the project and would soon begin the operations,” Tikde said.

PMC has joined hands with Variant Pune Waste to Energy Pvt Ltd to produce nine metric tonne of hydrogen every day by processing 350 metric tonne of waste. “The prototype of the plant for generating Hydrogen from waste would be operational in the next nine months and the entire plant would be operational in the next 18 months,” said Chirag Rawat, Head of Project, Variant Pune Waste to Energy Pvt Ltd.

The plant would produce 50 metric tonne of bio-fertiliser and nine metric tonne of hydrogen by processing 350 metric tonne of waste every day. “The hydrogen would be supplied to various petrochemical companies to replace with domestic gas, chemical, steel industries for their furnace,” Rawat said, adding his company was already in discussion with the companies that can consume the hydrogen for various purposes.

There are efforts to use hydrogen as a fuel for vehicles and once it picks up then it will have more consumption in future, Rawat said. “The bio-fertilisers would be supplied for agriculture purposes and fertiliser companies can purchase for its marketing.”

The technology for the purpose has been indigenously developed in association with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), he said. “Once the pilot project is successful in Pune then similar would be implemented across the country and then explore globally. Our aim is to achieve circular economy by processing waste to generate energy,” Rawat said, adding the state of art segregation facility for the project is ready in Pune.

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The company would be making an investment of Rs 375 crore for the project and operating it for 30 years. The PMC has provided 5.25 acre of its land at Ramtekdi Industrial Estate in Hadapsar for the project and would Rs 347 per metric tonne of waste as a tipping fee to the company for processing the waste.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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