BHU pioneers biomethanisation of coal for eco-friendly fuel
COAL & MINING

BHU pioneers biomethanisation of coal for eco-friendly fuel

The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is currently engaged in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at developing a greener fuel alternative through the biomethanization of coal. This project, titled "Biomethanisation of Coal," has been assigned to BHU by the Ministry of Coal, in collaboration with the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI), to address the pressing issue of greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists believe that by employing certain microbes to convert coal into methane in its natural form, within in-situ conditions (as found beneath the Earth's surface), this method could present a viable solution.

Professor Asha Lata Singh from the Department of Botany and Professor Prakash K Singh from the Department of Geology, Institute of Science, will lead the research on biomethanisation of coal. The initial experimentation will take place at the laboratory scale, where the process will be tested. If successful, this work could result in the production of methane, a fuel that is significantly less harmful to the environment.

Professor Prakash Singh emphasized that biomethanisation of coal is a relatively novel concept that has yet to be extensively explored and researched. Currently, studies in this area are predominantly conducted in the United States and China. However, India has now joined these countries and BHU has been chosen as the prestigious institution for this groundbreaking study. The research will involve recreating an in-situ environment in the laboratory using an anaerobic chamber, where anaerobic microbes will be employed for experimentation. The success of this project not only holds the potential for future research avenues but also offers new possibilities for obtaining green energy. This pioneering work has not been previously undertaken in India, making BHU the pioneer in this field.

The rising global temperatures have presented a significant challenge to the international community, necessitating innovative methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat environmental pollution. Coal mining processes contribute to various forms of pollution, while the use of coal in thermal power stations exacerbates environmental hazards and carbon emissions. Recognizing the importance of coal in developmental and growth activities, there is a pressing need to discover safer and more efficient ways to utilize coal as a fuel.

A delegation from the CMPDI, comprising senior officers, visited BHU to discuss various aspects of Biomethanisation with Professor Asha Lata Singh, Professor Prakash K Singh, and their research team. Additionally, the research team is concurrently working on a DST-SERB project focused on the "Desulfurization of sulfur-rich coals using biological and chemical methods."

This new project aligns with BHU's commitment to interdisciplinary research, as it provides financial support and necessary infrastructure. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sudhir Kumar Jain emphasized that BHU offers an ideal ecosystem for interdisciplinary studies.

The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is currently engaged in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at developing a greener fuel alternative through the biomethanization of coal. This project, titled Biomethanisation of Coal, has been assigned to BHU by the Ministry of Coal, in collaboration with the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI), to address the pressing issue of greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists believe that by employing certain microbes to convert coal into methane in its natural form, within in-situ conditions (as found beneath the Earth's surface), this method could present a viable solution. Professor Asha Lata Singh from the Department of Botany and Professor Prakash K Singh from the Department of Geology, Institute of Science, will lead the research on biomethanisation of coal. The initial experimentation will take place at the laboratory scale, where the process will be tested. If successful, this work could result in the production of methane, a fuel that is significantly less harmful to the environment. Professor Prakash Singh emphasized that biomethanisation of coal is a relatively novel concept that has yet to be extensively explored and researched. Currently, studies in this area are predominantly conducted in the United States and China. However, India has now joined these countries and BHU has been chosen as the prestigious institution for this groundbreaking study. The research will involve recreating an in-situ environment in the laboratory using an anaerobic chamber, where anaerobic microbes will be employed for experimentation. The success of this project not only holds the potential for future research avenues but also offers new possibilities for obtaining green energy. This pioneering work has not been previously undertaken in India, making BHU the pioneer in this field. The rising global temperatures have presented a significant challenge to the international community, necessitating innovative methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat environmental pollution. Coal mining processes contribute to various forms of pollution, while the use of coal in thermal power stations exacerbates environmental hazards and carbon emissions. Recognizing the importance of coal in developmental and growth activities, there is a pressing need to discover safer and more efficient ways to utilize coal as a fuel. A delegation from the CMPDI, comprising senior officers, visited BHU to discuss various aspects of Biomethanisation with Professor Asha Lata Singh, Professor Prakash K Singh, and their research team. Additionally, the research team is concurrently working on a DST-SERB project focused on the Desulfurization of sulfur-rich coals using biological and chemical methods. This new project aligns with BHU's commitment to interdisciplinary research, as it provides financial support and necessary infrastructure. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sudhir Kumar Jain emphasized that BHU offers an ideal ecosystem for interdisciplinary studies.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Tata, Airbus to Build India’s First Private Helicopter Line

In a landmark development for India’s aerospace sector, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus will establish the country’s first private-sector helicopter assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka. The facility will manufacture the Airbus H125 and H125M, marking a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in aviation and defence manufacturing. The new Final Assembly Line (FAL) will produce the H125, the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter, known for its versatility and performance in extreme environments. The first ‘Made in India’ H125 is expected to ro..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NeGD to Support Bharat Taxi in Building Cooperative Ride Platform

In a significant move for India’s digital and mobility transformation, the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) of the Digital India Corporation, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has entered into an advisory partnership with Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, the company behind Bharat Taxi — a first-of-its-kind, cooperative-led national ride-hailing platform. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between NeGD and Sahakar Taxi to provide strategic advisory and technical support covering key areas such as platform integration, cybersecurity..

Next Story
Technology

MeitY Hosts Pre-Summit for India–AI Impact Summit 2026

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, hosted a series of Pre-Summit events for the upcoming India–AI Impact Summit 2026 at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 in New Delhi. These sessions mark a key milestone ahead of the main summit, scheduled for 19–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Delivering the inaugural address, S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, highlighted India’s innovative and frugal approach to AI development. “We have adopted innovative means by learning from others’ experiences to build projects and products that..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?