Godavari Biorefineries and ICT Mumbai launch CO₂-to-DME Technology Pilot Project

New Delhi: In a decisive move toward climate action, Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL), led by its Chairman and Managing Director Samir Somaiya, has launched a pioneering pilot project that converts greenhouse gases into sustainable, clean fuel.

The innovative technology transforms industrial carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions directly into Dimethyl Ether (DME) — a low-emission, eco-friendly energy carrier that can effectively replace conventional fuels such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and diesel. This development marks a major milestone in India’s transition toward renewable energy and decarbonisation.

DME is not only a clean-burning fuel but also a versatile chemical feedstock with diverse industrial applications. The technology, developed in collaboration with the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai (ICT), demonstrates how scientific innovation can directly address the global challenge of greenhouse gas reduction while generating economic value from industrial waste.

“Living sustainably and being one with nature is the only way forward. There is no alternative if we are to preserve our planet for future generations,” said Samir Somaiya. Under his stewardship, GBL has embedded sustainability into its core operations, aligning innovation with environmental stewardship. Somaiya emphasised that India stands at the intersection of three defining challenges — energy security, climate change, and rural prosperity — and that the nation’s transition must be rooted in its natural strengths: its soil, sun, and small farmers. “Our nation’s energy transition must use these inherent assets to secure and improve farmer incomes, boost energy security, and combat climate change together,” he added.

India’s progress in renewable fuels serves as an encouraging backdrop. The country has moved from a 4% to 20% ethanol blend in just eight years — a remarkable achievement reflecting bold energy policy and industry collaboration. Somaiya noted that recent offers in response to tenders by oil marketing companies could increase the ethanol blend to 30%, underscoring India’s growing capability in sustainable fuels. “This surplus availability should be viewed as a tremendous asset. It’s an opportunity to incentivise all forms of clean energy — EVs, flex fuels, compressed biogas, and, in the future, Dimethyl Ether. Our path is clear: there is no real alternative but to transition from fossil to renewable,” he said.

At the scientific forefront of this innovation is Prof. G. D. Yadav, whose leadership at ICT Mumbai has been instrumental in the project’s success. His team’s expertise in catalyst development and process optimisation has helped realise a process that is both scientifically robust and industrially scalable. On the industry side, GBL’s technical and operational teams have ensured the project’s feasibility and alignment with commercial standards.

The joint initiative between GBL and ICT Mumbai was recently recognised with the K. V. Mariwala Award for Effective Chemical Industry-Academia Partnership (2024). The honour celebrates their breakthrough catalyst technology, significant environmental impact through CO₂ conversion, and clear roadmap for commercialisation and global adoption.

“India’s focus on clean energy, environmental responsibility, and circularity is driving the industry forward, making the country an increasingly attractive player in the global biochemicals market,” said Dr. Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited. “With our global presence and continued investment in innovation, we aim to lead in offering sustainable solutions that have both environmental and economic impact.”

Founded in 1933, ICT Mumbai (formerly UDCT) is one of India’s most distinguished institutions in chemical, biological, and energy sciences, contributing innovations that account for nearly 8% of India’s GDP. The institute has produced 19 Padma awardees and remains at the forefront of sustainable research.

Godavari Biorefineries Limited, one of India’s largest integrated biorefineries, exports to more than 20 countries and produces a wide portfolio of bio-based chemicals, many derived from sugarcane waste. The company has received multiple accolades for its contributions to bioenergy innovation, including the 2025 Best Co-generation Power Plant Award.

The new pilot project is a climate game-changer — capable of converting up to 450 metric tons of biogenic CO₂ per day into clean, sustainable DME. By turning greenhouse gases into valuable fuel, the initiative provides a scalable, cost-effective pathway to greener industries while supporting rural prosperity and advancing India’s decarbonisation goals.