Mumbai: Researchers at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, have claimed to have developed a carbon-negative process that produces both bioCNG and green hydrogen from mixed agricultural waste.

According to the university's Green Hydrogen Research Centre, the process offers a cleaner and more affordable path to energy independence and aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets production of five million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.

“Unlike many efforts that rely on a single feedstock such as paddy straw or napier grass, this research demonstrates success with mixed agro waste, including millet trash and other seasonal crop residues. This approach is particularly effective for regions with low rainfall and drought,” said Dr Ratnadip Joshi, Associate Director of the centre, who led the research.

A bio-culture developed by the team achieved a biomass-to-gas conversion efficiency of 12 per cent. A scalable 500 kg per day pilot plant, backed by four granted patents, has been set up on the MIT-WPU campus. The biogas generated showed high methane content, which was used to produce green hydrogen through a catalytic pyrolysis process, Joshi said.

The researchers said the process also yields biochar, used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, fertilisers and construction, along with bio-fertilisers that can replace urea in farming.

“This innovation is not just a lab experiment; it is scalable, practical, and rooted in India's realities,” said MIT-WPU Executive President Dr Rahul Karad, adding that it could empower farmers and support sustainable industries.