Khulna:Researchers at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) have made significant progress in producing diesel-rich bio-crude from human waste, sewage sludge, and agricultural residues. This development aims to lessen Bangladesh's reliance on imported liquid fuels.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the research, led by Professor Dr. Md Khalequzzaman from the Department of Civil Engineering, has been ongoing since 2016, involving 13 researchers. Initially, the focus was on producing petrol- and octane-range fuel-rich bio-crude from human waste and sewage treatment plant sludge, achieving a yield of 50 to 55 percent in laboratory experiments.
Bangladesh's high dependence on imported diesel prompted the researchers to shift focus. By combining waste with rice husk and sawdust, they have successfully produced bio-crude containing over 50 percent diesel-range components, potentially substituting part of the imported diesel with locally produced fuel.
The research has resulted in over 15 publications in international scientific journals, including top-tier journals. Initial support from the government's Power and Energy Research Council has accelerated the experimental work.
The researchers employ Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) technology, which processes wet organic waste at high temperatures and pressure without the need for drying. This method converts waste into bio-crude, which can be refined into usable fuels. The researchers estimate that the technology could satisfy about 30 percent of the country's diesel demand through domestic production, pending successful commercial-scale implementation.
To establish a commercial plant processing three tonnes per day, an investment of around Tk 80 crore to Tk 120 crore would be required, with commercial production possible within a year of investment. Professor Khalequzzaman highlighted the project's success, with diesel-rich components making up more than 50 percent of the bio-crude produced.
The researchers project that processing 25 to 50 percent of the nation's human waste, sewage sludge, and wet organic waste through this technology could replace 10 to 15 percent of imported crude oil, saving foreign exchange equivalent to Tk 6,500 crore to Tk 13,000 crore annually.
Professor Khalequzzaman noted that achieving the long-term goal of replacing up to 30 percent of imported crude oil would necessitate continuous research, feedstock collection, technological advancements, and phased commercial expansion. Successful commercialization could address waste management and energy security challenges, reduce dependence on imported fuels, ease foreign exchange pressures, minimize environmental pollution, and create jobs. It may also foster domestic process-equipment manufacturing and engineering industries, contributing to a new waste-to-fuel sector in Bangladesh.
The researchers emphasized the importance of government policy and financial support to transition the technology from research to commercial production. They proposed establishing an initial HTL pilot plant with a capacity of one to three tonnes per day, along with technology validation, certification, and regulatory framework development. Larger commercial plants could follow through public-private partnerships and private-sector investment.
The technology has the potential to produce petrol, octane, and kerosene, in addition to diesel. Properly utilizing organic waste could transform it into a valuable resource for future fuel production, addressing current environmental and public health issues.
KUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Masud stated that many promising research initiatives in Bangladesh remain in laboratories due to a lack of financial and logistical support for production. He emphasized the need for government financial assistance to advance this technology to the production stage.
Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman, president of the Greater Khulna Development Sangram Committee, expressed that the research achievement could greatly benefit the country if the technology is implemented with government support through the establishment of plants.