IIT Kanpur and NSI Kanpur form an agreement to create a center of excellence for biofuels

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) and the National Sugar Institute, Kanpur (NSI Kanpur) to create a Center of Excellence for Biofuels at NSI Kanpur on June 15, 2024. Ashwini Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Sugar), Department of Food & Public Distribution, Government of India; Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director, IIT Kanpur; and Dr. Seema Paroha, Director, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur, witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.

In accordance with this memorandum of understanding, IIT Kanpur and NSI Kanpur will collaborate on projects to carry out cutting-edge research, create, and implement cutting-edge technologies to increase the efficiency and sustainability of the nation's biofuel production. It is anticipated that biofuels will be crucial in lowering reliance on fossil fuels and assisting in the mitigation of climate change. This cooperative research project will concentrate on improving the production of biomass, a renewable energy source, into ethanol, methanol, bio-CNG, aviation fuel, green hydrogen, and other products.

Research on biofuel will be well suited in Uttar Pradesh, an agricultural state that ranks highly in the production of sugarcane. Through this relationship, we hope to solve India's increasing energy needs while also encouraging environmental protection by utilising the expertise of both institutions.

Through the development of novel technologies, the optimisation of current procedures, and the establishment of pilot projects to show the viability of biofuel technology, this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) represents a step forward in improving the production of advanced sustainable high-quality biofuels. In the end, this will lessen reliance on fossil fuels and the import of crude oil, ensure the energy supply, and protect the climate by minimising CO2 emissions.