ORSL and IIT Roorkee Partner to Advance Research in Biomass Valorisation and Clean Energy Technologies
On November 1, 2025, Organic Recycling Systems Limited (ORSL), a prominent Indian clean-tech company dedicated to sustainable waste valorisation and circular economy solutions, announced a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee). This collaboration aims to enhance research in biomass valorisation, biochar development, and advanced environmental technologies.
Objectives of the Collaboration
The partnership is designed to leverage ORSL’s industrial expertise alongside the research capabilities of IIT Roorkee’s Department of Hydro and Renewable Energy (HRED). The primary objectives include:
- Joint research on biomass applications, including characterisation and pretreatment.
- Development of biofuels and biochemical conversion processes.
- Evaluation of agricultural residues for industrial applications.
- Production and testing of biochar and activated carbon for various uses.
- Optimisation of torrefaction processes for biomass and municipal solid waste (MSW).
- Integration of pyrolysis and gasification technologies to enhance energy recovery.
Focus Areas of Research
The collaboration will focus on several key research areas:
1. Biomass Characterisation and Pretreatment
Understanding the properties of biomass is crucial for effective utilisation. The research will involve detailed characterisation to determine the best pretreatment methods for various biomass types.
2. Biofuels and Biochemical Conversion
Developing efficient processes for converting biomass into biofuels is a priority. This includes exploring biochemical pathways that can enhance yield and reduce costs.
3. Biochar and Activated Carbon Production
Biochar has significant potential for soil improvement and carbon sequestration. The partnership will focus on producing high-quality biochar and activated carbon, which can also be used for water purification and heavy metal removal.
4. Energy Recovery Technologies
Integrating torrefaction, pyrolysis, and gasification processes will be essential for maximising energy recovery from biomass and MSW. This research aims to develop efficient systems that can be implemented at scale.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange
In addition to research, ORSL and IIT Roorkee plan to promote knowledge exchange and capacity building through:
- Joint training programmes.
- Internships for students and researchers.
- Collaborative research projects that link academia with industry.
Significance of the Partnership
Sarang Bhand, Managing Director of ORSL, expressed that this collaboration marks a significant milestone in the company’s research and development journey. He noted that the partnership would expedite technology development in biomass and MSW valorisation, particularly focusing on biochar and torrefaction. This initiative supports India’s transition towards clean energy and carbon neutrality.
Prof. Vivek Kumar Malik, Dean of Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy at IIT Roorkee, highlighted that the partnership reflects the institute’s commitment to transforming advanced research into practical industrial applications. He stated that this collaboration would pave the way for innovative and scalable solutions in biomass processing and environmental management.
Prof. (Dr.) Sonal K. Thengane, Associate Professor in the Department of Hydro and Renewable Energy at IIT Roorkee, emphasized the goal of developing a replicable model for the torrefaction of biomass and MSW. This model aims to be implemented across India, promoting sustainable waste-to-energy practices.
Future Implications
The partnership between ORSL and IIT Roorkee is poised to make significant contributions to the fields of renewable energy and environmental sustainability. By focusing on biomass valorisation and clean energy technologies, this collaboration not only aims to enhance energy recovery but also to address pressing environmental challenges such as waste management and carbon emissions.
The outcomes of this partnership could lead to scalable solutions that benefit not only the industrial sector but also contribute to India’s broader goals of sustainability and carbon neutrality.
Note: The collaboration between ORSL and IIT Roorkee represents a proactive step towards integrating academic research with industrial applications, fostering innovation in the renewable energy sector.
