Researchers from IIT Guwahati Developed a Sustainable Microalgae Biorefinery Model



Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati are actively working to make a significant contribution to the development of a sustainable future. Multiple renewable and sustainable energy research projects are underway under the microalgae biorefinery model.

The rapid depletion of fossil fuels, anthropogenic emissions, and ever-increasing energy consumption have sparked increased interest in renewable-based alternative fuels. Under the biorefinery concept, researchers from all over the world have demonstrated that microalgae-based wastewater treatment can be combined with the simultaneous production of various types of fuels as well as other value-added products.

“Alternate fuel production is the need of the hour,” said Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, Officiating Director of IIT Guwahati. He added that, IITG has been working in this domain for the past 25 years, and many researchers have contributed significantly to the development of a microalgae-based biorefinery model that allows waste treatment and fuel production to occur concurrently. Efforts to use the rich biomass of the Northeast as a source of bioethanol/methanol/butanol as an alternative to fossil fuels.

Some Major Research Highlights

Research on transforming residual microalgae/biomass into energy fuel and chemicals-
Prof. Vaibhav V Goud and his research team at IIT Guwahati have developed an efficient strategy for converting residual microalgae/biomass into energy fuel and chemicals. Researchers have diverted the process cycle to recover the desired product by implementing specific alteration strategies such as inhibiting steps (H2, biogas, and chemicals). According to their findings, combining residual microalgae with biomass (rice straw) improved energy recovery. It also offers a long-term strategy for developing a biomass/microalgae-based biorefinery for the production of energy fuels and chemicals.

Research on Integration of wastewater treatment and high-value biofuel production-
Prof. Kaustubha Mohanty and his research team have created an advanced microalgae biorefinery model that combines wastewater treatment with high-value biofuel production via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), with domestic sewage sludge and microalgae biomass as co-feedstock. The Co-HTL used sewage sludge and microalgae biomass as co-feedstock, resulting in a 40% biocrude yield and properties comparable to petroleum crude. According to their developed biorefinery process theoretical conversion and mass balance, one million domestic sewage wastewater will deliver 2,500 kg biomass feedstock, resulting in 980 Kg biocrude and 5,000 kg CO2 sequestration. With 20% blending (B20) with commercial diesel, the biomass can provide 600 kg biofuels to support a city bus running ten return trips (60 km) for 26 days.

Research on producing bioalcohols from waste invasive weeds-
Prof. V. S. Moholkar and his research team have developed lab-scale expertise in producing bioalcohols such as bioethanol and biobutanol from waste invasive weeds that are common in northeast India. The group invented the sonic fermentation technique for producing bioalcohols from mixed invasive weeds, which is not only faster than conventional fermentation but also produces higher yields. Because of its similar properties to petrol, biobutanol can be blended with it up to 80%.

Research on efficiently producing liquid hydrocarbon oil-
Prof. Debasish Das and his research group, in collaboration with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), demonstrated a pilot scale technology for producing liquid hydrocarbon oil ALGLIQOL, which has the potential to be used as a transportation fuel via hydrothermal liquification (HTL) of CO2-grown microalgae biomass. The technology was created by combining: a process engineering strategy for high cell density microalgae biomass cultivation; low cost scalable biomass harvesting; and catalytic upgradation of bio-crude oil followed by fractional distillation.

Renewable energy supplies reliable power and diversifies fuel sources, improving energy security and lowering the risk of fuel spills while reducing the need for imported fuels. In line with the themes of India’s presidency of the G20 Summit in 2023, IIT Guwahati is putting forth its best efforts to improve energy security and reduce the risk of fuel spills for a better and more secure future.

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Dr. Kirti Sisodhia

Content Writer

CATEGORIES Business Agriculture Technology Environment Health Education

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