The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has developed a method to convert agricultural crop waste into eco-friendly fuel pellets. These pellets can potentially serve as a sustainable alternative to wood and coal, reducing both deforestation and carbon emissions in the process.
The initiative, led by a team from the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Guwahati, addresses two critical problems simultaneously — the disposal of crop residues and the reliance on conventional, polluting fuels for cooking and heating in rural and semi-urban areas. By utilizing biomass that would otherwise be burned in fields or discarded, the researchers have found a way to turn agricultural trash into valuable, renewable energy.
India generates millions of tonnes of agricultural residue every year, much of which is burned openly, leading to severe air pollution, especially in northern states. Stubble burning, for instance, has become a seasonal crisis, contributing significantly to the toxic haze that blankets cities like Delhi. By converting this waste into fuel pellets, IIT Guwahati’s solution offers a dual benefit: reducing air pollution and creating an alternative energy source.
The fuel pellets are made using a process called “torrefaction,” which involves heating biomass at relatively low temperatures in the absence of oxygen. This treatment improves the energy content of the material, reduces moisture, and makes it more efficient for combustion. The result is a dense, dry pellet that burns cleaner and longer than raw biomass or even some types of coal.
What makes these pellets especially appealing is their versatility. They can be used in household stoves, industrial boilers, and even in small-scale power generation. Importantly, the technology does not require high-end infrastructure and can be deployed locally, making it suitable for village-level energy systems.
According to Professor Kaustubha Mohanty, who spearheaded the research, “The idea was to not just create an alternative fuel, but to design a circular economy model for rural India. Farmers, who usually pay to dispose of crop waste or burn it illegally, can now supply this biomass for pellet production, generating income and supporting clean energy goals.”
The team is also working with local startups and government agencies to create a decentralized network of pellet production units across Assam and other agricultural states. The project has already drawn attention from environmental groups and policymakers who see it as a potential game-changer in India’s clean energy roadmap.
One of the key advantages of fuel pellets is their lower carbon footprint. Unlike coal, which releases trapped carbon from millions of years ago, biomass-based fuels are part of the current carbon cycle. This means that the carbon dioxide released during combustion is roughly equivalent to what the plants absorbed during their growth, making it a more climate-friendly energy option.
Moreover, the fuel pellets offer a significant improvement over firewood, which is still widely used in rural India. Burning wood contributes to indoor air pollution, which is a leading cause of respiratory diseases among women and children. The cleaner burn of the pellets could improve indoor air quality dramatically.
The initiative aligns with several of the Indian government’s sustainable development goals, including the promotion of clean energy, reduction of pollution, and support for rural livelihoods. It also complements schemes like the National Bio-Energy Mission and the push towards cleaner fuels under the PM Ujjwala Yojana.
IIT Guwahati is currently in the process of transferring this technology to industry partners, ensuring scalability and commercial viability. Trials in Assam and parts of West Bengal have shown encouraging results, with users reporting higher efficiency and lower smoke compared to traditional biomass.
As India continues to seek innovative solutions to its energy and environmental challenges, the humble crop waste pellet could emerge as a symbol of grassroots innovation — proof that even the most overlooked resources can be transformed into sustainable solutions with the right blend of science and vision.