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CHANGING ROLE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
Changing Role of Chemical Engineers is a series of online panel discussions organized by the alumni of IIT Bombay Chemical Engineering, in collaboration with the Department and the Institute.
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The third panel discussion in this series focused on the Evolution and Future of Energy and was conducted online on January 15, 2022. It featured eminent alumni who are leaders in the energy industry, namely: Mr. Neeraj Sethi (Baker Hughes), Dr. Rohit Patwardhan (Saudi Aramco), Dr. Partha Maitra (Reliance Industries Limited) and Mr. Amit Pathare (Feyn Partners). Prof. A K Suresh, senior faculty from the Chemical Engineering Department (and former Deputy Director of IIT Bombay) represented the Institute on the panel.
The session started with brief introductions by the panellists recounting their education and professional journey. In his opening statement, Mr. Neeraj Sethi introduced the need for the transition from conventional fossil fuels to fulfil the energy demand while addressing global challenges, such as carbon emissions, global warming and climate change. Mr. Neeraj also discussed possible alternatives to the industrial approach to the energy transition problem. Dr. Patwardhan elaborated on the role of chemical engineers and said that to upscale, it is important to learn new processes, new technologies, digital methods, etc. To contribute, chemical engineers would additionally need to have a very solid understanding of data analytics, statistics as well as machine learning techniques. Dr. Patwardhan envisioned that the next 30 years are going to be truly transformative as new industry sectors are established and new business models are proven.
Mr. Amit Pathare discussed the challenges, energy policy and commercialization of the energy transition. Mr. Pathare stressed on the integration of hardware and software technologies to ensure efficient outcomes. He noted the need for interdisciplinary knowledge
conventional energy sources, that today’s chemical engineer should look into.
The discussion continued with a brief introduction by Dr. Partha Maitra on the general trend of energy transition. Dr Maitra noted “unless you acknowledge the problem, we do not have a solution”. Here, some of the real challenges outlined are: highest CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, loss of glaciers and polar ice caps and increasing sea-levels. Dr Maitra also listed four plausible ways to address these issues: (1) renewable power (2) sustainable hydrogen (3) carbon capture and sequestration and (4) biomass as sustainable fossil fuels. Dr Maitra concluded with a roadmap for the future for sustainability for energy transition for net zero by 2035.
Dr. Rohit Patwardhan discussed
to succeed in implementation of new technologies for the energy transition. He opined that it would be necessary to have exposure to engineering as well as financial and policy elements to create a roadmap for a sustainable future and to implement the required technological solutions.
Prof. A K Suresh spoke about the initiatives and current activities taken by IIT Bombay towards the energy transition, such as solar photovoltaics, Li-ion batteries, electrolysers, fuel cells, etc. Prof. Suresh also described activities being currently carried out by different research centers at IIT Bombay and emphasized the outcome in terms of project grant funding, patents and publications.
The session ended with a vote of thanks from Prof. Madhu Vinjamur, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Bombay.
SWARAJ, PRAJ TO SET UP LARGE ETHANOL PLANT IN INDIA
M/s. Swaraj Green Power & Fuel Limited announced plans to set up the largest ethanol plant (1100 KLPD) in Maharashtra in two stages, first stage capacity of 500 kilo litres per day (KLPD) and in second stage capacity shall be enhanced to 1100 KLPD based on sugarcane juice & BIOSYRUP®. Also necessary permissions have been acquired to enhance the plant capacity up to 1100 KLPD in near future. After doing this Swaraj will become largest capacity plant to produce ethanol in India and Asia. Swaraj once again decided to work with Praj Industries Limited as technology partner for this proposed expansion project at Phaltan, in Maharashtra.
Established in the year 2010 Swaraj is recognized as one of the most progressive sugar mills and ethanol producer in India. Swaraj already has 60KLPD capacity plant for production of ethanol based on molasses as feedstock. Set up by Praj in 2018, this plant is equipped with advanced technologies for ensuring sustainability by reducing water footprints. This plant is often regarded as benchmark for minimal water intake - as low as 2.5 litres of water per litre of fuel ethanol across India.
Swaraj and Praj have, now signed an agreement for expanding up to 500 KLPD capacity that is expected to be operational by third quarter of FY 2022-23. Praj is responsible for design, engineering, supply & commissioning of the plant, deploying its advanced sugarcane juice & BIOSYRUP® to ethanol technology. Praj’s Innovative solution to process sugarcane juice in to a new sustainable feedstock BIOSYRUP® will help Swaraj secure round the year ethanol production.
“We are pleased to align with GOI’s ethanol blending program ( E20) aimed at achieving energy self-reliance while helping conserve environment and helps in saving huge foreign currency. We appreciate Praj’s expertise across the value chain and their commitments to deliver on promise. We believe this project will help uplift farming community in Satara and Solapur districts by creating job and entrepreneurship opportunities,” said Ranjeetsinh Naik-Nimbhalkar, founder & promoter, Swaraj.
“We recognize Swaraj as technology savvy customer who is always willing to adopt innovative technologies to ensure efficient plant operations. We are grateful that they have bestowed trust in Praj’s technology once again for this prestigious expansion project. We believe this landmark project in Maharashtra is a significant step forward towards meeting government of India’s E20 blending mandates while helping decarbonize the transportation sector,” said Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, founder & chairman of Praj.
Being largest in Maharashtra, this project is expected to open up lucrative sugarcane juice and BIOSYRUP® to ethanol segment as an effective solution to address challenges of fluctuating sugar economy.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of
DR MANSUKH MANDAVIYA CHAIRS A HIGH LEVEL MEETING TO MAKE ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT IN UREA AND DAP PRODUCTION BY USING ‘GREEN HYDROGEN’
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya today chaired a high level meeting to make Atmanirbhar Bharat in Urea and DAP Production by using ‘Green Hydogen’. During the meeting the Minister urged the officials of Department of Fertilizers to take necessary steps for sustainable agriculture and green future of India.
In the Independence Day speech on 15.08.2021, Prime Minister announced the launch of National Hydrogen Mission and stated the goal to make India a global hub for Green Hydrogen production and export. The Mission proposes a framework for inter alia creating demand for Green Hydrogen in sectors such as petroleum refining and fertilizer production; support for indigenous manufacturing of critical technologies; Research & Development activities; and an enabling policy and regulatory framework. The proposed steps will lead to the development of additional renewable energy capacity for Green Hydrogen production.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Turkmenistan on Cooperation in the field of Disaster Management.
The MoU seeks to put in place a system, whereby both India and Turkmenistan will be benefited from the Disaster Management mechanisms of each other and it will help in strengthening the areas of preparedness, response and capacity building in the field of Disaster Management.
The MoU envisages cooperation on a mutually beneficial basis in the following areas: i. Monitoring and forecasting emergencies and assessment of their consequences; ii. Interaction, through Competent
Authorities, between appropriate organizations involved in disaster management; iii. Joint planning, development and implementation of research projects, exchange of scientific and technical publications and results of research works in the field of disaster management; iv. Exchange of information, periodicals or any other publications, video and photo materials, as well as technologies, as mutually agreed within the scope of this MoU; v. Organization of joint conferences, seminars, workshops as well as exercises and trainings in the relevant fields; vi. Exchange of experts and experiences in disaster management; vii. Training and capacity building of first responders in search and rescue operations; exchange of trainees and experts to facilitate capacity building in the field of disaster management; viii. Rendering assistance, as mutually agreed, for providing technical facilities and equipment, enhancing early warning systems and capacity building of the Parties in disaster management; ix. Providing assistance, as mutually agreed, in emergency response; x. Mutual assistance sharing of knowledge and expertise for creation of disaster resilient infrastructure; xi. Rendering quality management systems, as mutually agreed in accordance with the internationally recognized standards; xii. Any other activities related to disaster management, which may be mutually agreed by the
Competent Authorities of the
Parties;
At present, India has signed the bilateral / multilateral Agreement / MoU / Joint Declaration of Intent / Memorandum of Cooperation for cooperation in the field of Disaster Management with Switzerland, Russian, SAARC, Germany, Japan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Bangladesh and Italy.
DR REDDY’S LABS BAGS FROST & SULLIVAN AND TERI’S SUSTAINABILITY 4.0 AWARDS 2021
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited received the Sustainable Corporate of the Year Award at the The 12th Edition of Frost & Sullivan and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
The Hyderabad-based Dr Reddy’s was among the winners of Sustainability 4.0 Awards where recognized companies embedding sustainability with economic value creation, thereby creating value for all stakeholders, building a safer environment, and ensuring a stronger community. This year’s awards were presented to 19 companies across six major categories: Sustainable Corporate of the Year Award, Sustainable Factory of the Year Award, Safety Excellence Award, Leaders Award, Challengers Award, and the Jury Special Mention Award.
The Sustainability 4.0 Awards programme highlights the need for linkages between an organization’s strategy, governance and financial performance and the social, environmental, and economic context within which it operates. This programme enables businesses to make more logical and sustainable decisions that ensure long-term stakeholder value. It emphasizes the four pillars of sustainability: purpose, partnership, planet, and people. Rahul Sharma, director and global head, manufacturing & process consulting practice, Frost & Sullivan, said, “The assessment methodology was market-proven and provided insights to the participating companies to improve upon their
processes and systems from a sustainability standpoint.
The insights are primarily in 4Ps:purpose, people, partnership and planet, sustainability analytics and renewable energy consumption index. The companies which fared well in all of these parameters came out winners.” Dr. Vibha Dhawan, director General of TERI, said, “As India rebounds from the Covid-19 pandemic, we cannot afford to ignore the adverse impacts of climate change and the threat it poses towards the country’s future growth. Short-term profitability has to be nurtured together with the long-term sustainability for recovering from the pandemic today as well as to put us onto the path of a low-carbon future in a 2050 timeline.” Dr. Dhawan added, “Businesses reflect the changing values and changing economics, which the world is currently witnessing, by focusing on resource efficiency and clean energy.
As businesses carry out such initiatives, we need to make sure that others learn about them and the first-movers become the pioneers to inspire action by many. This fits with the ethos of our partnership with Frost & Sullivan. We aspire to have a larger number of companies in the country moving to structured sustainability programmes.” Ajay Shankar, chairperson, Jury Special Mention Awards; Former Secretary, DIPP, Government of India; and Distinguished Fellow, TERI, said, “India is on the cusp of a major transformation towards sustainability. The Indian industry has the possibility of using the latemover advantage to leapfrog to the global frontiers as leaders in the transition to sustainability.”
The UAA-ICT Distinguished Alumnus Awards in the categories of Academics, Research & Extra Mural are announced and will be presented on UAA Annual Reunion Day, to be celebrated on 22nd January, 2022, which will be an online event this year. ACADEMICS CATEGORY: 1) PROF. PADMA DEVARAJAN: Ph.
D. (Tech) 1988;
Designation - Dean Research & Innovation, Professor in
Pharmacy, Department of
Pharmaceutical Sciences and
Technology, ICT 2) PROF. REKHA SINGHAL: Ph. D. (Tech) 1990;
Designation - Professor in Food
Technology, HOD - Department of Food Engineering and Technology,
ICT RESEARCH CATEGORY: 1) DR. GIRISH MAHAJAN: Ph. D. 1995; Designation - Senior Vice
President – Microbiology, HiMedia
Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. 2) DR. MAYUKH WARAWDEKAR: Ph.
D. 1986
Designation - Sr. V.P. R & D, Fine
Organic Industries Ltd. EXTRA MURAL CATEGORY: 1) SHRI. SHARAD KALMEGH: M.
Chem. Engg. 1985
Designation - Founder President,
Swargiya Dadasaheb Kalmegh
Smruti Pratisthan.
UK SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDIA’S ENVIRONMENT MINISTER DISCUSS INDIA-UK COLLABORATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE 2030 ROADMAP.
Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had a in-person meeting with UK Secretary of State for International Trade & COP26 Presidency Champion on Adaptation and Resilience, the RT Hon AnneMarie Belinda Trevelyan on 12th January 2022.
In the Meeting, they discussed issues relating to India’s new commitments at COP 26, India-UK collaboration on climate change and the India-UK 2030 Roadmap.
In the Meeting, Shri. Yadav recalled the five nectar elements “Panchamrit” announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the sidelines of COP 26. He also mentioned about the two joint initiatives launched by UK and India, viz. One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) and Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS).
The Environment Minister also mentioned about the role of the Developed Countries in combatting climate change, especially with regard to climate finance, technology transfer, and other implementation
support, as mandated by the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.
“Historical cumulative emissions, high per capita annual emissions, equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capacities (CBDR-RC) of UNFCCC for climate action are essential while we move ahead with the implementation of the NDCs and Paris Agreement goals.”, stated Shri Yadav during the meet. Futher, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change mentioned about the initiatives taken by India for tackling climate change, and which will also contribute towards India’s New Climate Goals announced by our Prime Minister. The major sectors include Renewable Energy, Green Hydrogen, e-mobilty,etc. He also emphasised the crucial role of the private sector in India’s efforts towards a credible pathway of lowcarbon development to eventual net zero.
Both sides discussed on how to further strengthen partnership in R&D of cutting-edge technologies and the transfer of proven technologies to drive low carbon pathways. Both sides will also explore continuing to work on the success of COP26 by delivering concrete actions to achieve our commitments, through our bilateral cooperation.
There is tremendous potential for Indian engineering MSMEs to be integrated into the Global Value Chain due to their manufacturing cost advantage, said Mr B. B. Swain, Secretary, Ministry of MSME. Addressing the inaugural session of MSME Conclave organized by EEPC India recently, Mr Swain said that for the MSMEs to achieve high growth the two most significant interventions required are related to credit assistance and technology upgradation. He noted that the Ministry of MSME has been working closely with other Ministries and Departments to facilitate the ease of doing business for MSMEs.
“The Atma Nirbhar announcements have focused on easing access to registering as MSMEs, easing their access to credit and providing them the much needed protection as far as global tenders are concerned,” Mr Swain said. He informed the participants that MSMEs engaged in manufacturing of engineering products are about 29% of the 67 lakh MSMEs which have registered since 1st July, 2020 on the Udyam registration portal. “MSME units are together capable of constituting a complete supply chain and being globally competitive because of their diverse products ranging from intermediate to final products,” Mr Swain said.
In his welcome address, EEPC India Chairman Mr Mahesh Desai said that MSMEs need to catch up a lot on the technological front as this is crucial to increase India’s share in the global value chain. “Make-in-India initiative has brought ample scope for the Indian MSMEs to work with the large scale global manufacturing firms and get access to their upgraded technology and efficient marketing techniques. Following the onset of the pandemic, large corporations in the developed world have been looking at India as an alternative destination for manufacturing,” Mr Desai said. He noted the crucial role of MSMEs in the economy saying that the sector contributes around 30% to India’s GDP and has 50% share in the country’s exports. “The significance of the MSME sector in India has long been recognized and its potential has also been identified. In the National Manufacturing Policy, manufacturing output has been targeted to increase to 25% of GDP,” he stated.
EEPC India, with nearly 60% of its members coming from the MSME sector, has been playing an instrumental role in developing the engineering MSMEs of India. It has been working closely with the government to promote the MSMEs producing engineering products and in line with the initiative of the Department of Commerce for technological upgradation, set up two technology centers in Bengaluru and Kolkata to address the problem of technological backwardness of the engineering MSMEs.
“We promise our best endeavor towards higher integration of this sector in the global value chain through continuation of our strategic activities for the upgradation of engineering MSMEs and we believe that such summits fully dedicated for MSMEs will help us to achieve our goal,” said Mr Desai.
A Knowledge Paper titled ‘Integrating Indian MSMEs to Global Value Chain’ was also released in the inaugural session of the Conclave. The paper has suggested that India’s trade regime should promote value addition in the country. “Hence, the general tariff structure should be low on raw and primary goods, slightly higher on intermediaries and the highest on final products,” it said.
It further recommended that both direct and indirect tax structure should be neutral and not discriminate between the nature of firms. “Banks and the financial institutions should be more willing to discern genuine exporters and demand less of collateral. Finally, stability in policy measures with less intervention and emphasis on neutrality on behalf of the government will be necessary,” it listed among some of the broad pointers. z
