+
MITWPU Announces Novel Hydrogen Production From Sugarcane Juice
Company News

MITWPU Announces Novel Hydrogen Production From Sugarcane Juice

MIT World Peace University (MITWPU) has made significant advancements in sustainable energy research, with two pioneering projects: a novel process for generating green hydrogen directly from sugarcane juice and an innovative batch reactor system for biodiesel production using agro waste based heterogeneous catalysts. These developments underscore MITWPU’s commitment to India's green energy transition and sustainable future.  
 
The university has developed a unique process to generate hydrogen from sugarcane juice using microorganisms, which also converts carbon dioxide into acetic acid, making it more sustainable. This research supports Government’s Green Hydrogen Mission and offers sugar industries an opportunity to produce hydrogen, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
A patent has already been submitted for this technology. This project proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy (MNRE) for funding.  The centre of excellence on green hydrogen has also been submitted to MNRE, Government of India. 
 
Dr Bharat Kale, Emeritus Professor & Director of Material Science [COE]s said “The university’s bioprocess operates at room temperature using sugarcane juice, sea water, and wastewater, contributing to global efforts to reduce hydrogen costs to $1/kg. Unlike conventional water-splitting methods, this process generates valuable byproducts, ensuring zero discharge and making it a viable solution for India’s energy transition. We are seeking industry partners for lab-scale development and eventual technology transfer.”
 
The work on hydrogen storage is also in progress using Metallo-organic framework (MOF).  The MOFs for hydrogen storage and CO2 captures has been focused intensely. 
 
The university aims to support industries in scaling up the technology, which could be commercially viable within a year. The project is led by researchers Dr Sagar Kanekar, Dr Bharat Kale, Dr Anand Kulkarni, Prof. Niraj Topare, Dr Santosh Patil, Dr Dev Thapa, Dr Biswas and Dr Ratnadip Joshi. 
 
In addition, MITWPU has developed an operational efficient batch reactor system for sustainable biodiesel production using an agro-waste-based heterogeneous catalyst. This catalyst and system have been patented which has offered an environmentally friendly solution by eliminating waste generation and utilising agricultural residues into affordable and efficient catalyst. The porous structure of the catalyst increases surface area, improving efficiency and give thermal stability during production.  
 
Dr Kale added: “Biodiesel produced through this system serves as an economical alternative to fossil fuels. The patent covers both the catalyst and process design, ensuring efficiency in production. While industry partnerships are still in discussion, commercialisation is expected within six months of technology transfer. Large-scale biodiesel production will rely on industry adoption, supported by government policies. The process contributes to India’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy, particularly in states like Punjab and Haryana, where biomass burning is a concern.”
 
These projects are spearheaded by Prof. Niraj Topare, Dr Santosh Patil, and Dr Bharat Kale. Both innovations highlight the sustainable energy solutions, offering viable alternatives to fossil fuels while supporting India’s green energy transition. The university continues to seek industry collaborations to accelerate the commercialisation of these technologies.

MIT World Peace University (MITWPU) has made significant advancements in sustainable energy research, with two pioneering projects: a novel process for generating green hydrogen directly from sugarcane juice and an innovative batch reactor system for biodiesel production using agro waste based heterogeneous catalysts. These developments underscore MITWPU’s commitment to India's green energy transition and sustainable future.   The university has developed a unique process to generate hydrogen from sugarcane juice using microorganisms, which also converts carbon dioxide into acetic acid, making it more sustainable. This research supports Government’s Green Hydrogen Mission and offers sugar industries an opportunity to produce hydrogen, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.A patent has already been submitted for this technology. This project proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy (MNRE) for funding.  The centre of excellence on green hydrogen has also been submitted to MNRE, Government of India.  Dr Bharat Kale, Emeritus Professor & Director of Material Science [COE]s said “The university’s bioprocess operates at room temperature using sugarcane juice, sea water, and wastewater, contributing to global efforts to reduce hydrogen costs to $1/kg. Unlike conventional water-splitting methods, this process generates valuable byproducts, ensuring zero discharge and making it a viable solution for India’s energy transition. We are seeking industry partners for lab-scale development and eventual technology transfer.” The work on hydrogen storage is also in progress using Metallo-organic framework (MOF).  The MOFs for hydrogen storage and CO2 captures has been focused intensely.  The university aims to support industries in scaling up the technology, which could be commercially viable within a year. The project is led by researchers Dr Sagar Kanekar, Dr Bharat Kale, Dr Anand Kulkarni, Prof. Niraj Topare, Dr Santosh Patil, Dr Dev Thapa, Dr Biswas and Dr Ratnadip Joshi.  In addition, MITWPU has developed an operational efficient batch reactor system for sustainable biodiesel production using an agro-waste-based heterogeneous catalyst. This catalyst and system have been patented which has offered an environmentally friendly solution by eliminating waste generation and utilising agricultural residues into affordable and efficient catalyst. The porous structure of the catalyst increases surface area, improving efficiency and give thermal stability during production.   Dr Kale added: “Biodiesel produced through this system serves as an economical alternative to fossil fuels. The patent covers both the catalyst and process design, ensuring efficiency in production. While industry partnerships are still in discussion, commercialisation is expected within six months of technology transfer. Large-scale biodiesel production will rely on industry adoption, supported by government policies. The process contributes to India’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy, particularly in states like Punjab and Haryana, where biomass burning is a concern.” These projects are spearheaded by Prof. Niraj Topare, Dr Santosh Patil, and Dr Bharat Kale. Both innovations highlight the sustainable energy solutions, offering viable alternatives to fossil fuels while supporting India’s green energy transition. The university continues to seek industry collaborations to accelerate the commercialisation of these technologies.

Related Stories

Next Story
Products

Interio by Godrej launches modular workplace solutions

Interio by Godrej has launched Workscapes, a modular workplace solutions category designed to help organisations configure and adapt workspaces to changing requirements. The portfolio combines mobile and compatible furniture and support elements that can be rearranged across different work modes without changes to fixed layouts.Workscapes includes Collaboration Tables, Privacy Solutions, Mobile Markerboards and Space Dividers, Power Solutions, Storage and Support Elements, Meeting and Presentation Tools, and Seating Elements. The range is designed for focused work, collaboration, informal disc..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

CAFE-III Gives Auto Industry Investment Clarity

The government’s new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE-III) norms have provided the automobile industry with a clearer framework for technology investments, according to industry representatives. The framework seeks to balance environmental objectives with flexibility for manufacturers while encouraging the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles and biofuels. Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Shenu Agarwal said the five-year framework would give automakers greater predictability to plan investments and accelerate innovation. He said the regulation established annual targ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Mines Ministry to Auction Two Offshore Mineral Blocks in Andaman Sea

The Ministry of Mines will launch an auction of two offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea on Thursday, seeking to unlock India’s offshore mineral potential and strengthen long-term mineral resource security. The blocks will be offered under a composite licence, which permits exploration and development activities in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework. The ministry said the auction was intended to encourage systematic exploration, attract investment and promote the use of advanced technologies for offshore mineral exploration and development. The initiative is also aimed..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code