ORSL, IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur Launch India’s First Pilot-Scale BIO-CCU Platform

In a significant development for India’s bioenergy sector, Organic Recycling Systems Ltd. (ORSL), in collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Bombay and Kharagpur, has launched the country’s first pilot-scale Bio-CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilization) platform. This initiative is supported by a research grant from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

Overview of the Project

The project, titled Integrating Biotechnological Interventions to Capture and Utilise CO₂ from Biogas via Algal Cultivation and Photocatalytic Conversion to Mixed Alcohols, aims to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted from biogas plants into high-value products. The total project cost is approximately INR 1.87 crore, and it will be executed at ORSL’s Research Innovation Centre (RIC) located in Navi Mumbai.

Significance of the Initiative

This initiative marks a milestone for the bioenergy and carbon circularity landscape in India. The project is expected to create new revenue streams by converting CO₂, which is often vented or flared by many Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants, into bio-alcohols, specialty chemicals, nutritional supplements, and industrial additives. This transformation not only enhances the economic viability of CBG plants but also supports India’s broader goals of achieving net-zero emissions and promoting a circular carbon economy.

Key Stakeholders and Their Roles

• Organic Recycling Systems Ltd. (ORSL): As the lead organization, ORSL is at the forefront of developing indigenous CCU technology, aiming to revolutionize biogas plants across the nation.
• IIT Bombay: The institute contributes its expertise in advanced photo bioreactor-based CO₂ fixation, which is crucial for sustainable carbon utilization.
• IIT Kharagpur: The institute focuses on the selective photocatalytic conversion of CO₂ into mixed alcohols, potentially transforming future biorefineries and green chemical manufacturing.

Technological Innovations

The project leverages several cutting-edge technologies:

• Biotechnology: Advanced biotechnological methods will be employed to enhance the efficiency of CO₂ capture and conversion processes.
• Algal Engineering: The use of algal cultivation is pivotal in the process, as algae can efficiently absorb CO₂ and convert it into valuable biomass.
• MXene-Based Photocatalysis: This innovative approach is expected to facilitate the photocatalytic conversion of CO₂ into mixed alcohols, contributing to a near-zero CO₂ emission biogas platform.

Expected Outcomes

The successful implementation of this project is anticipated to yield several outcomes:

• Creation of high-value products from CO₂, thereby reducing waste and enhancing sustainability.
• Improvement in the economic performance of CBG plants, making them more viable and attractive to investors.
• Establishment of a national benchmark for carbon capture and utilization in the waste-to-energy sector.
• Advancement of industrial decarbonization efforts in line with global climate goals.

Statements from Key Personnel

Sarang Bhand, Managing Director of ORSL, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “This initiative represents a significant milestone for India’s bioenergy and carbon circularity landscape. It highlights the crucial role of collaboration between academia and industry to accelerate pilot demonstrations and commercial scale-up.”

Dr. Manju Tanwar, Chief Scientist and Head of R&D at ORSL, added, “By integrating advanced biotechnology, algal engineering, and MXene-based photocatalysis, we aim to set a new standard for CCUS in the waste-to-energy sector.”

Prof. Indrajit Chakraborty from IIT Bombay remarked, “The advanced photo bioreactor-based CO₂ fixation offers a high-impact route for sustainable carbon utilization, which is essential for addressing climate change challenges.”

Prof. Koustuv Ray of IIT Kharagpur noted, “The selective photocatalytic conversion of CO₂ into mixed alcohols could revolutionize future biorefineries and green chemical manufacturing, paving the way for a more sustainable industrial landscape.”

Conclusion

As the first Indian company to secure a grant under the DBT-BIRAC Joint Call on Carbon Capture and Utilization, ORSL is poised to lead the development of indigenous CCU technology. This project not only aims to transform biogas plants across India but also plays a vital role in advancing the country’s industrial decarbonization efforts.

Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest developments as of December 2025.