The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangalore-based sustainability startup sentra.world to decarbonise the iron and steel sector in India.
The collaboration will focus on utilising biochar, an eco-friendly coal substitute, in steel manufacturing processes such as coke making, sintering, and sponge iron production. The initiative aims to process biomass from over 10 Indian states, converting agricultural and forest residues like rice husks, sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, and invasive species like babool into high-quality biochar.
By utilising approx. 720 tonne of surplus biomass, the project addresses environmental issues such as stubble burning, a major source of air pollution. This effort will also offer farmers additional income by monetising agricultural waste. With the Indian steel industry responsible for eight to 12 percent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, the use of biochar could potentially reduce emissions by up to 40 percent.
“With over 50 customers actively seeking avenues for carbon footprint reduction, this partnership marks a significant milestone in decarbonizing hard to abate sectors in thecountry”, said Co-founder of sentra.world, Vikas Upadhyay, who emphasised its significance in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors.
The research outcomes aim to drive product standardization, enhance sustainability, and establish a global benchmark for innovation in the steel industry.