The MoU will facilitate joint research projects, training programs, and technology transfer to support farmers, researchers, and policymakers in adopting sustainable bioenergy solutions.
In a major step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and bioenergy solutions, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bioenergy (SSS-NIBE), Kapurthala. The agreement aims to foster collaborative research, technology development, and knowledge exchange in agricultural and bio-energy innovations. The MoU was signed by Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice Chancellor, PAU, and Dr. G. Sridhar, Director General, SSS-NIBE in the presence of esteemed scientists and officials from both institutions.
Dr. Gosal emphasized the critical role of bioenergy in sustainable agriculture, particularly in utilizing crop residues such as mustard stalks, paddy straw, sugarcane bagasse, and cotton stalks for briquette and pellet production as well as in Agri PV systems. “This collaboration is a milestone in integrating modern agricultural practices with bioenergy research to enhance energy security and environmental sustainability,” he stated.
Highlighting the national importance of bioenergy, Dr. Sridhar noted that waste-to-energy technologies, biomass conversion, and biofuel production will be the key areas of focus under this partnership. “By working with PAU, we aim to develop innovative, energy-efficient solutions that will benefit both the agriculture and energy sectors,” he added.
Dr. Manjeet Singh, Dean, COAE&T, welcomed the delegation and shared that the MoU will facilitate joint research projects, training programs, and technology transfer to support farmers, researchers, and policymakers in adopting sustainable bioenergy solutions. He also announced that both institutions will initiate a collaborative M.Tech. program in Renewable Energy and Bioenergy.
Dr. Vishal Bector, Associate Director (Institutional Linkages), who conducted the program, highlighted that this collaboration will create a win-win scenario for students, scientists, and farmers, allowing them to benefit from cutting-edge technologies developed by PAU and SSS-NIBE. Additionally, training programs will be conducted for officials from both institutions to ensure effective implementation of bioenergy advancements.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sarbjit Singh Sooch, Principal Scientist – cum – Head, Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, PAU, Ludhiana, acknowledging the efforts of all stakeholders in strengthening research collaborations and driving sustainable energy innovations.
