Revolutionizing Energy: Pune's MIT-WPU Leads the Way with Green Hydrogen and Biodiesel Innovations
Key Ideas
  • MIT-WPU developed a bio-process to produce green hydrogen from sugarcane juice, offering an eco-friendly, zero-waste energy solution.
  • The hydrogen production process also converts carbon dioxide into acetic acid, operating at room temperature and supporting cost-effective production aligned with India's Green Hydrogen Mission.
  • Additionally, MIT-WPU unveiled an efficient biodiesel production system using agro-waste-based catalysts, contributing to India's green energy transition and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
  • The university aims for commercial viability within six months of industry adoption, particularly targeting states like Punjab and Haryana to address biomass burning concerns.
Pune's MIT World Peace University (MITWPU) has recently announced two groundbreaking innovations in sustainable energy solutions. The first innovation involves the development of a bio-process to generate green hydrogen using sugarcane juice. This process not only produces hydrogen but also converts carbon dioxide into acetic acid, presenting an eco-friendly, zero-waste solution. The hydrogen production operates at room temperature, utilizing sea water and wastewater, aligning with India's Green Hydrogen Mission. MITWPU has filed a patent for this process and has submitted a proposal for funding to establish a Centre of Excellence on Green Hydrogen. Dr. Bharat Kale, an Emeritus Professor at MITWPU, highlighted the potential cost reduction to USD 1/kg for hydrogen production and the generation of valuable byproducts. The university is actively seeking industry partners for further development and technology transfer. Moreover, MITWPU is working on hydrogen storage solutions using Metallo-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) that can capture CO2 and store hydrogen efficiently. The second innovation involves an advanced batch reactor system for producing biodiesel using a patented agro-waste-based catalyst. This environmentally friendly solution transforms agricultural residue into clean fuel with enhanced efficiency and thermal stability. MITWPU aims for commercial viability of the biodiesel production system within six months of industry adoption, particularly focusing on regions like Punjab and Haryana to combat biomass burning issues. Led by key researchers such as Dr. Bharat Kale, Prof. Niraj Topare, and Dr. Santosh Patil, these projects exemplify MITWPU's dedication to cutting-edge research in sustainable energy and fostering industrial partnerships for a greener future.
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