IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Partners with Sentra.world to Explore Biochar Applications in Steelmaking.

The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sentra.world, a Bangalore-based sustainability startup, to advance research aimed at reducing carbon emissions in India’s iron and steel sector.

The collaboration focuses on utilizing biochar, a sustainable alternative to coal, in steelmaking processes. Researchers will study biomass from over 10 Indian states and develop methods to produce high-quality biochar for applications such as coke making, sintering, and sponge iron production.

This initiative plans to utilize around 720 tonnes of surplus biomass, including agricultural residues like rice husk (parali), forest waste such as bamboo, agri-processing byproducts like sugarcane bagasse, and invasive species like babool. By addressing stubble burning—a significant source of air pollution—it aims to provide farmers with a supplementary income stream through agricultural waste monetization.

With the steel sector responsible for 8-12% of India’s greenhouse gas emissions, the adoption of biochar could potentially reduce emissions by up to 40%.

“This innovative industry collaboration is pivotal for advancing towards Amrit Kaal as envisioned by our Hon’ble Prime Minister and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070,” said Professor Sagar Pal, Dean of R&D at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Vikas Upadhyay, Co-founder of Sentra.world, emphasized the partnership’s importance: “With over 50 customers actively seeking carbon footprint reduction solutions, this marks a significant milestone in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors in the country.”

The research is expected to drive product standardization, enhance sustainability, and establish a global benchmark for innovation in the steel industry.

HBL