Delhi: In a breakthrough for clean energy, researchers at the Green Hydrogen Research Centre of MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), led by Dr. Ratnadip Joshi, have developed a carbon-negative process that produces both BioCNG and Green Hydrogen from mixed agricultural waste. The innovation supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), and the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets 5 million metric tonnes of Green Hydrogen annually by 2030.
Unlike conventional biomass-to-gas methods with just 5–7% efficiency, the MIT-WPU team achieved 12% by creating a special bio-culture. A scalable 500 kg/day pilot plant has been established on campus, backed by four patents. The process works with diverse agro residues, including millet trash, and produces biogas with high methane content, further converted into green hydrogen through catalytic pyrolysis.
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PhD scholar Aniket Patrikar noted that the plant-based catalyst enables hydrogen production without CO₂ emissions, avoiding costly carbon capture systems. The process also yields Biochar, used in industries like fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and construction. Fellow researcher Avinash Lad highlighted that while electrolysis costs exceed $2 per kg, this method could lower green hydrogen costs to $1 per kg, offering affordable scalability.
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Additionally, the process generates biofertilizers that reduce reliance on urea and mitigate soil salinity, aiding sustainable farming. Two patents for green-coated, slow-release biofertilizers have been secured.
Dr. Rahul Karad, Executive President of MIT-WPU, called the innovation “a proud moment” that blends research, innovation, and social responsibility, with the potential to empower farmers and advance India’s clean energy leadership.
