Pune researchers develop process to produce green hydrogen at just $1/kg

Pune’s MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) has announced a pioneering achievement in clean energy with a carbon-negative process that generates both BioCNG and Green Hydrogen from mixed agricultural waste. Developed at the Green Hydrogen Research Centre under the leadership of Dr. Ratnadip Joshi, Associate Director, the innovation simultaneously addresses climate change and India’s mounting farm waste challenge.

Backed by four granted patents, the technology has been successfully demonstrated at a 500 kg/day pilot plant on the MIT-WPU campus. Where traditional biomass-to-gas systems deliver just 5–7 percent efficiency, this new method achieves an impressive 12 percent conversion rate.

Unlike feedstock-specific technologies, MIT-WPU’s process works effectively with mixed agro-residues, including millet stalks and seasonal crop trash—an advantage for drought-prone regions. The resulting biogas, rich in methane, is upgraded through a green catalytic pyrolysis method to yield Green Hydrogen. Significantly, the catalyst itself is plant-based, ensuring zero CO₂ emissions and eliminating the need for costly carbon-capture systems.

According to researcher Avinash Lad, while electrolysis-based hydrogen costs exceed $2/kg, MIT-WPU’s process could reduce production to $1/kg, while remaining carbon-negative. Alongside hydrogen, the system produces biochar for industries ranging from fertilizers and cosmetics to construction, and green-coated biofertilizers that reduce soil salinity and release nutrients only when water is available. Two patents have already been secured for these biofertilizers.

Highlighting its practical potential, Dr. Rahul Karad, Executive President, MIT-WPU, said that the breakthrough is not just a lab experiment—it is scalable, practical, and rooted in India’s realities. He said that it empowers farmers and equips our students to lead India’s green future.

The breakthrough aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission’s 2030 target of producing 5 million metric tonnes annually, contributing to India’s Net Zero 2070 commitment. Experts believe such innovations could even accelerate the timeline to 2050, while attracting global energy partnerships for technology transfer.