Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has entered into a strategic partnership with Oil India Limited to set up a compressed biogas (CBG) plant on the institute’s campus, a move that underscores a growing focus on sustainability, clean energy and practical research in renewable technologies. The memorandum of understanding was signed at the India Energy Week event held in Goa.
Biogas Plant to Convert Waste into Clean Energy
Under the agreement, the biogas facility will process biodegradable waste from the campus and convert it into compressed biogas, a form of clean fuel that can be used for energy applications. In addition to energy production, the project will also generate nutrient-rich organic manure that can be used in agricultural applications, combining environmental sustainability with resource utilisation. The initiative directly addresses critical environmental challenges, including waste management, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and enhancement of soil health through organic fertiliser production. By turning waste into a valuable resource, the plant is expected to contribute to a circular economy model on campus and beyond.
Emerging as a ‘Living Laboratory’
IIT Kharagpur’s leadership envisions the biogas project as a “living laboratory” to support research, innovation, skill development and entrepreneurship in clean energy and sustainability. The partnership with Oil India aims to create a scalable and holistic ecosystem where scientific research interfaces seamlessly with real-world implementation. Dr. Suman Chakraborty, Director of IIT Kharagpur, noted that the collaboration will help develop a replicable waste-to-wealth model that could be adopted not only by campuses but also by urban townships across India and the global south, transforming organic waste from an environmental burden into an economic and energy resource.
Sustainability and Broader Impact
The partnership aligns with wider efforts in India to expand the use of compressed biogas (CBG) as a renewable energy source and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Industry partnerships like this support national sustainability goals and demonstrate a commitment to tackling environmental problems through innovative, research-driven solutions. In the context of evolving global energy priorities, the biogas plant at IIT Kharagpur sets an example of how academic institutions can play a key role in developing and implementing clean energy technologies that benefit both campuses and larger communities.