Chandigarh: The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to launch a pilot project producing green hydrogen from biomass, with a focus on paddy straw. The MoU was signed by Neelima, CEO of PEDA, and the registrar of IISc Bengaluru, and formally exchanged with Prof. S. Dasappa of IISc’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research (ICER), reports The Times of India.
The exchange took place during the 5th International Conference on Recent Advances in Bio-Energy Research at Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy (SSS-NIBE), Kapurthala, in the presence of Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy & Power, Shripad Naik.
Punjab’s New and Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora praised the collaboration, saying it reflects the state’s commitment to clean energy innovation. “This partnership will use agricultural waste to produce green hydrogen, creating a circular economy that benefits farmers, reduces environmental pollution, and provides carbon-free energy for industries,” he said.
The pilot facility will demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of producing green hydrogen from agricultural residues. The project aims to curb stubble burning, improve air quality, and strengthen the rural economy by generating new income sources for farmers and creating jobs in the green energy sector. Arora added that the initiative will support India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and Punjab’s renewable energy targets.
