IIT Kanpur, NSI Kanpur sign MoU to establish a Centre of Excellence for Biofuels

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) and the National Sugar Institute, Kanpur (NSI Kanpur) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Centre of Excellence for Biofuels. The signing ceremony took place on June 15, 2024, at NSI Kanpur, attended by key dignitaries including Shri Ashwini Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Sugar), Department of Food & Public Distribution, Government of India; Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur; and Dr. Seema Paroha, Director of NSI Kanpur.

Focus of the Collaboration

This partnership aims to leverage the combined expertise of both institutions to address India's growing energy needs while promoting environmental conservation. The collaborative research will focus on enhancing the production of biofuels such as Ethanol, Methanol, Bio-CNG, Aviation Fuel, and Green Hydrogen from biomass, a renewable energy source.

Strategic Importance

Uttar Pradesh, being an agrarian state and a leading producer of sugarcane, provides an ideal setting for biofuel research. This initiative aligns with the National Bio-fuel Policy, 2018, which promotes the production of ethanol from sugarcane-based feedstock and surplus food grains. The policy targets a 20% ethanol blend with petrol by 2025, emphasizing a Waste to Wealth approach by utilizing sugarcane by-products.

Statements from Key Figures

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, highlighted the synergy between the two institutions: "NSI Kanpur has a long-standing expertise in market dynamics and technological requirements, while IIT Kanpur excels in fundamental science and technology. Together, we aim to establish a state-of-the-art center to position India as a leader in biofuels."

Shri Aswani Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Sugar), Government of India, extended his best wishes: "The National Bio-fuel policy supports ethanol production from various sugarcane-based feedstocks and surplus grains. This MoU will bolster our efforts towards achieving the target of 20% ethanol blending by 2025."

Dr. Seema Paroha, Director of NSI Kanpur, emphasized the long-term commitment: "A dedicated building with a state-of-the-art laboratory, including pilot plants and requisite equipment, will be established. Initially funded by the ministry, we will seek industrial tie-ups in the future."

Future Prospects

The Centre of Excellence for Biofuels will enhance the production of advanced, sustainable, high-quality biofuels through innovative technologies, optimized processes, and pilot projects. This initiative aims to secure energy supply, protect the climate by minimizing CO2 emissions, and reduce dependency on fossil fuels and crude oil imports.

Attendees and Institutional Information

The event was also attended by Prof. Rajeev Jindal and Prof. Debopam Das from IIT Kanpur, along with Shri Vinay Kumar, Shri Anoop Kumar Kanaujia, and Dr. R. Ananthalakshmi from NSI Kanpur.

About IIT Kanpur: Established in 1959, IIT Kanpur is an Institute of National Importance known for its high standards in science and engineering education and significant R&D contributions. The institute boasts a sprawling 1050-acre campus, 19 departments, 25 centers, and three interdisciplinary programs, with over 580 full-time faculty members and approximately 9000 students.