Hubballi Launches Karnataka’s First Green Charcoal Plant in Rs 157 Crore Waste-to-Energy Project
Hubballi: In a significant move towards sustainable urban development, Hubballi has inaugurated Karnataka’s first green charcoal production plant, designed to convert municipal solid waste into usable fuel. The project, developed
Hubballi: In a significant move towards sustainable urban development, Hubballi has inaugurated Karnataka’s first green charcoal production plant, designed to convert municipal solid waste into usable fuel.
The project, developed under a Rs 157 crore investment, is located at Gobbur on the outskirts of Hubballi. It is aimed at addressing the growing challenge of waste management in urban areas and reducing the environmental burden caused by increasing garbage accumulation.
Solid waste disposal has long been a serious concern in cities across Karnataka, including the Hubballi Dharwad region, where daily waste generation continues to rise. The twin cities generate an estimated 500 to 600 tonnes of waste every day, creating ongoing challenges for civic authorities.
The new facility has been set up as part of a waste to energy initiative operated by NTPC. The plant is designed to process around 200 tonnes of municipal waste daily and convert a significant portion of it into green charcoal, which can be used as an alternative fuel source.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the project reflects a broader vision for cleaner cities and improved waste management systems. He noted that two processing units have been developed to ensure continuous operations even if one unit is temporarily shut down due to maintenance or technical issues.
According to civic officials, nearly 30 to 35 percent of solid waste can be converted into charcoal, making the process both practical and environmentally beneficial. The facility currently produces about 120 tonnes of green charcoal per day and is expected to ease pressure on existing landfill systems.
Hubballi Dharwad Mayor Jyoti Patil described the project as a major breakthrough in the region’s waste management strategy. She said the plant represents a shift towards scientific and sustainable handling of municipal waste and highlighted that it is currently in its trial phase.
Officials added that the facility is expected to become fully operational by January 2027. Once fully functional, it is likely to significantly reduce the burden of solid waste in the twin cities and serve as a model for similar projects in other parts of the state.
The initiative is being seen as an important step in transforming urban waste into a resource, helping Karnataka move closer to long term sustainable waste management solutions.
