A Memorandum of Understanding covering the research and development on a range of biofuels technologies and projects in India has been signed between the Indian Oil Corp. Ltd. (IOCL) and UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, it was announced today (31st March). As part of the MoU the companies would evaluate installation of a demonstration-scale unit to produce green transportation fuels at an existing IOCL site using non-food feedstocks available within India. They would also evaluate the viability of pyrolysis oil technology to convert lignocellulosic materials, or plant biomass, into renewable power and heat.

The agreement sees IOCL focussing on research and development for the production of algal oil for use as a feedstock in the green fuels production.

"This collaboration is focused on the development of viable and sustainable green fuels that will enable reduced greenhouse gas emissions in India," said Jennifer Holmgren, vice president and general manager of Honeywell UOP's Renewable Energy and Chemicals business unit. "We are honored to work with IOCL to support this initiative and movement toward a reduced carbon footprint in India."

"We have to reduce the carbon footprint of our business operations at least by 25 percent from the present level. It is not only our moral responsibility, but also necessary for sustaining the growth of our business. Green operation will allow us to reduce costs by reducing the energy intensity of our operations and thereby becoming cost competitive. It also helps us produce more from the same or even less inputs. We are looking forward to working with UOP to bring together our respective areas of expertise and achieve these goals," said Mr. Anand Kumar, director of research and development for IOCL.