The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) marked World Biofuel Day with a special event at its New Delhi campus, highlighting advancements in biofuels and carbon capture technologies.
The event gathered students, researchers, and experts to discuss the development and potential of advanced biofuels in contributing to global and national Net Zero CO2 emission targets.
A keynote address was delivered by Shri Ramakrishna YB, Former Chairperson of the Working Group on Biofuels under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG), Govt of India, and Current Member Expert – Working Group on Biofuels, MoP&NG. His talk, titled ‘Emerging Policy Ecosystem in India for Advanced Biofuels and Opportunities Towards Achieving Net Zero by 2070,’ provided insights into the current policy landscape and the future of biofuels in India.
“The biofuel sector holds vast potential, even surpassing the agriculture sector in scale. It requires extensive research and development to overcome technical and economic challenges, making it commercially viable and unlocking its significant opportunities for sustainable energy production,” stated Shri Ramakrishna YB.
Adding to the event’s significance, Shri Ramakrishna YB also unveiled two short films produced by ICGEB. The first film, ‘Building a Greener Future: The Carbon Quest,’ showcased cutting-edge research in carbon capture, emphasizing its role in creating a sustainable future. The second film, ‘Building a Greener Future: Biomass to Biofuels,’ highlighted ICGEB’s efforts in converting biomass into biofuels, a vital area of research for reducing carbon emissions.
The event featured participation from students of three premier Delhi University colleges and two Kendriya Vidyalaya schools. These students had the opportunity to interact with leading scientists at ICGEB, with interactive sessions designed to inspire and educate the next generation about ongoing research in biofuels and carbon capture.
Additionally, students were treated to live demonstrations in various ICGEB labs, offering practical insights into biofuel production and carbon capture technologies. These hands-on experiences deepened their understanding of the scientific processes involved in these critical research areas.
ICGEB’s celebration of World Biofuel Day 2024 not only showcased its commitment to cutting-edge research but also aimed to engage and inspire young minds in the pursuit of a sustainable and green future.