A startup by an Indian Institute of Technology, Madras alumnus has developed microbial fuel cells that can generate electricity by treating textile waste-water.
JSP Enviro is currently focusing on the dyeing industry with an aim to target the small dyeing units that cannot afford large common effluent plants. The main aspect of the technology includes an Energy positive effluent treatment technology with net zero OPEX (Operational Expenditure) and carbon neutral process. The payback time is approximately 5 years contributed by: energy savings, reduction in excess sludge quantity and tax/carbon credits. Also, it is suitable even for small installations, with organic load as low as 100 Kg BOD/Day. The PRODUCT can be scaled up/down based on requirements with minimal maintenance,
“Microbial Fuel Cells are relatively a new technology and if implemented for all major industrial effluents, we can aim to achieve high energy savings. I am hopeful that this technology will create a great impact in the waste and energy sectors.” Dr. V.T. Fidal Kumar, Founder, JSP Enviro and IIT Madras alumnus (2017Batch / Dept of Biotechnology)
The product is developed on the concept of environment friendly micro-organisms that degrade the waste and produce electricity in the process.
“The distinctive feature of our technology is that it is energy positive as opposed to the energy intensive technologies available in the market. The product requires minimal maintenance and is targeted towards dyeing, printing, leather, dairy industries in India. The current systems used are expensive and have high maintenance cost. Therefore, our technology is expected to significantly reduce the cost, making it accessible to the small industries.” – Dr. Priyadharshini Mani, Co-founder, JSP Enviro and a PhD from University of Westminster, London
At present, the company is in the process of joining the IIT Madras Bioincubator to augment R&D for its product. They are planning to launch a demonstration model by early 2020. Dr. Fidal is also the Project Officer for Centre for NEMS & Nanophotonics, IIT Madras.
“In an industrialized country like India, there is a high demand for environmental solution technologies to meet the regulations imposed on industries to improve environmental standards. Our MFC technology, which is low-cost and energy-efficient, is one of the perfect solutions for these industries.” said Co-founder Mr. Suresh Paul, an MBA graduate from London School of Commerce, U.K., and a member of the startup.
JSP Enviro, is involved in treating and recycling industrial waster-water, restoration of polluted bodies, landscaping and recycling industrial waste-water, restoration of polluted water bodies, landscaping and beautification projects beside treating waste-water for reuse.
The start-up has established a dedicated Research and Development team based at IIT Madras to create new technologies for water treatment. Currently, they are engaged in restoring a 30-acre lake located in the Integral Coach Factory premises at Villivakkam, Chennai.
