Mysuru: S.E. Sudheendra, Chairman of the Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board (KSBDB), visited the Bioenergy Research, Information and Demonstration Centre at NIE Engineering College on Wednesday to assess the current bioenergy projects underway in the Mysuru district, reports The Hindu.
During his visit, Chairman Sudheendra toured a biodiesel production unit and a biogas generation facility. He also marked a significant step forward by launching vehicles powered by biodiesel.
Mr. Sudheendra emphasized the Board’s strong dedication to creating the New Karnataka State Bioenergy Policy 2025–30. This upcoming policy is designed to significantly boost the development of bioenergy across the entire state.
He stated that the policy will take into account feedback and ideas from business owners, suppliers of raw materials, and investors. This inclusive approach aims to create a thorough and supportive structure for the bioenergy sector’s expansion.
The Chairman also discussed the KSBDB’s recent involvement in the International Conference on Sustainable Technology held in Mysuru. He reviewed the progress in implementing the ideas that were presented at the conference with Shyam Sundar, a professor at NIE.
Furthermore, Mr. Sudheendra highlighted a potential collaboration with Fachhochschule Dortmund – University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Germany. German universities have shown considerable interest in the KSBDB’s bioenergy efforts and have invited the chairman and his team for a visit. Discussions are currently in progress to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the KSBDB and the German institutions. This agreement aims to encourage the exchange of academic knowledge and technology, according to a press release from the board.
Professor Shyam Sundar has been assigned the task of reviewing the draft MoU in consultation with KSBDB officials and organizing the necessary arrangements for the delegation’s upcoming visit to Germany.
The review meeting was attended by Assistant Environmental Officer Arpita from the Pollution Control Board, Professor Shyam Sundar and his team, as well as faculty members from NIE Engineering College.
