ORSL, IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur Receive DBT–BIRAC Funding

Organic Recycling Systems Limited (ORSL), in collaboration with IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur, has recently been awarded a significant research grant under the DBT–BIRAC Joint Call for Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU). This funding marks a pivotal moment for India’s evolving CCU landscape, particularly within the context of high-performance biomanufacturing.

Significance of the Funding

With this award, ORSL becomes the first Indian company to receive support in the CCU category under the BioE3 framework. The project has substantial commercial potential for the rapidly growing Compressed Biogas (CBG) industry. Currently, many CBG facilities are faced with the challenge of releasing or flaring purified CO₂ due to limited conversion options available for this greenhouse gas.

The BIO-CCU Platform

The BIO-CCU platform aims to convert unused CO₂ into commercially viable products such as:

• Bio-alcohols
• Specialty chemicals
• Nutritional bio-compounds
• Industrial additives

This innovative approach not only opens new revenue opportunities but also improves operational economics across the sector, making it a win-win for both the environment and the economy.

Project Overview

The initiative, titled “Integrating Biotechnological Interventions to Capture and Utilize CO₂ from Biogas via Algal Cultivation and Photocatalytic Conversion to Mixed Alcohols,” will be conducted at the ORSL Research Innovation Centre located in Navi Mumbai. This project is set to combine engineered algae platforms, biotechnology, and MXene-based photocatalysis at a scale that has not been previously attempted in India.

Expert Opinions

Sarang Bhand, Managing Director at ORSL, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This initiative is a defining step for India’s bioenergy and carbon circularity ambitions. Achieving India’s 2030 emissions intensity reduction target requires accelerated R&D efforts supported jointly by academia and industry.”

He further noted that collaborations like the one between ORSL, IIT Bombay, and IIT Kharagpur can significantly shorten the timeline from innovation to deployment, allowing high-potential CCU solutions to transition from laboratory scale to commercial scale much faster.

Long-Term Vision

Dr. Manju Tanwar, Principal Investigator and Head of R&D at ORSL, shared insights into the long-term vision for the project, stating, “This program brings together multiple frontier technologies in a way not seen before in India. Our long-term vision is to create a near-zero-emission biogas platform that can serve as a benchmark for CCUS within the waste-to-energy industry.”

Technological Innovations

Prof. Indrajit Chakraborty of IIT Bombay highlighted that advanced photobioreactor-based CO₂ utilization is one of the most promising pathways for sustainable conversion. The research team from IIT Kharagpur pointed out the significance of selective photocatalytic conversion for future bio-refineries and green chemical manufacturing, underlining the multidisciplinary relevance of the project.

Support from Government and Institutions

ORSL and its academic partners expressed their gratitude to the Department of Biotechnology, BIRAC leadership, and the Government of India. They acknowledged the enabling policies and national-scale innovation frameworks that support CCU, sustainable biomanufacturing, and climate-aligned industrial transformation.

About Organic Recycling Systems Limited

Founded in 2008, Organic Recycling Systems Limited is an Indian environmental engineering company dedicated to waste-to-energy and resource-valorisation solutions. The company has developed various technologies across the waste management ecosystem, including India’s first municipal solid waste processing plant based on a patented anaerobic biomethanation process.

One of its flagship projects located in Solapur, Maharashtra, converts biodegradable waste into Compressed Biogas and organic manure. This project has been recognized under the Swachh Bharat Mission, showcasing ORSL’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Future Directions

As ORSL continues to expand its technology pipeline through national and international research partnerships, it aims to contribute significantly to India’s clean energy initiatives and the circular economy. The collaboration with IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur is expected to pave the way for further advancements in biomanufacturing and carbon capture technologies.

Conclusion

The collaboration between ORSL, IIT Bombay, and IIT Kharagpur, supported by the DBT–BIRAC funding, represents a significant step forward in the field of carbon capture and utilization in India. This initiative not only aligns with the country’s environmental goals but also enhances the potential for commercial viability in the burgeoning CBG industry.

Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest developments as of October 2023.