PEDA and IISc Collaborate to Launch Pilot Green Hydrogen Project from Agricultural Waste in Punjab – EQ
In Short : The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has signed an MoU with IISc Bengaluru to develop a pilot green hydrogen project using agricultural biomass, particularly paddy straw. The initiative aims to reduce stubble burning, improve air quality, and create additional income for farmers. Supported by the state government, it aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and Punjab’s renewable energy goals.
In Detail : The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has entered into a collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to develop a pilot project for producing green hydrogen. This project will focus on utilizing agricultural biomass, particularly paddy straw, as the primary feedstock. The initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable energy practices in the state and supporting the green energy transition in India.
By converting paddy straw into green hydrogen, the project addresses the recurring problem of stubble burning in Punjab, which significantly contributes to air pollution. Farmers often face difficulties in disposing of leftover crop residue, and this initiative seeks to provide an environmentally friendly solution. Turning agricultural waste into energy will benefit both the environment and local communities.
The MoU was formally signed by Neelima, CEO of PEDA, and the registrar of IISc, Bengaluru, with the exchange witnessed by Prof. S. Dasappa from IISc’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research (ICER). The event took place during the 5th International Conference on Recent Advances in Bio-Energy Research at the Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy (SSS-NIBE).
Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy & Power, Shripad Naik, was present at the conference and highlighted the importance of such collaborative efforts in advancing India’s renewable energy objectives. The project is expected to enhance the state’s contribution to the National Green Hydrogen Mission and foster innovation in clean energy solutions.
Punjab’s New and Renewable Energy Minister, Aman Arora, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to sustainable practices. He noted that green hydrogen production from biomass can create new economic opportunities for farmers while reducing environmental hazards caused by crop residue burning.
The collaboration will establish a pioneering facility to demonstrate the feasibility of converting agricultural waste into hydrogen fuel. The project is designed to be scalable, allowing for potential expansion to other regions in Punjab and across India. It is also expected to serve as a model for integrating clean energy technology with agricultural practices.
Environmental experts believe that biomass-to-hydrogen projects can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while generating renewable energy. By creating a market for agricultural waste, such initiatives can motivate farmers to adopt cleaner farming practices. This approach also aligns with global trends in sustainable energy production.
The project is anticipated to provide economic, environmental, and social benefits. Farmers gain additional income from biomass sales, communities enjoy cleaner air, and the state strengthens its renewable energy portfolio. Such collaborative research initiatives are crucial in addressing climate change and advancing India’s energy transition goals.
By transforming agricultural residues into valuable resources, PEDA and IISc aim to demonstrate a sustainable model of energy production. The pilot project will also provide valuable research insights into green hydrogen technology, potentially guiding future policies and investments in the renewable energy sector across India.
