IIT K & NSI Kanpur sign MoU to establish Center of Excellence for Biofuels

An MoU was signed to establish a Center of Excellence for Biofuels with a path forward in improving the production of advanced, sustainable, high-quality biofuels by developing innovative technologies, optimizing existing processes and establishing of pilot projects to demonstrate the viability of biofuel technology.

The MoU was signed between Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) and National Sugar Institute, Kanpur (NSI Kanpur) to establish the center at NSI Kanpur.

Under this MoU, IIT Kanpur and NSI Kanpur will participate in joint projects to conduct cutting-edge research and develop and adopt state-of-the-art technology to enhance biofuel production in the country with improved efficiency and sustainability. Biofuels are expected to play a key role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and combating climate change.

The focus area of ​​this joint research work will include the study of improving the production of ethanol, methanol, bio-CNG, jet fuel and green hydrogen, etc. from biomass, a renewable energy source.

Since Uttar Pradesh is an agriculture-based state and one of the highest-ranked states in terms of sugarcane production, it will be an ideal place for biofuel research. This partnership aims to leverage the expertise of both institutions to meet India’s growing energy needs while promoting environmental conservation.

Ashwini Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Sugar), Food and Public Distribution Department, Government of India; Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur; and Dr Seema Paroha, director, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur, were present at the signing on Saturday.

Prof Agrawal said, “NSI Kanpur has been working in this field for over 60 years and understands the market dynamics and technology requirements well. At the same time, IIT Kanpur possesses insights into fundamental science and technologies in chemical and other related domains. The aim is to join forces of both institutions to create a state-of-the-art center that can help India take a leading position in biofuels.”

Srivastava said, “The National Biofuel Policy, 2018 allows production of ethanol from various sugarcane-based feedstocks as well as utilization of surplus food grains for ethanol production. Under the Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) programme, the government has set a target of blending 20 percent ethanol with petrol by 2025. To increase ethanol production in the country, the government has promoted corn as a key resource. raw material for the production of ethanol. It also focuses on the Waste to Wealth approach by promoting the use of other sugarcane by-products.”

Dr. Paroha said, “This is a long-term MoU and a dedicated building with a state-of-the-art laboratory, including all necessary equipment, pilot plants and instruments, will be established for the CoE on the Institute campus. This will initially be funded by the ministry, and industrial links will also be targeted in the future.”

The MoU will ultimately contribute to securing energy supplies, protecting the climate by minimizing CO2 emissions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels/crude oil imports.