Researchers and institutions worldwide are actively delving into innovative methods to transform waste into valuable resources. This global pursuit of sustainable solutions is mirrored in India, where remarkable initiatives are taking shape. A notable instance of this determined effort emerged from the collaborative endeavours of the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, and the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited. Together, they successfully harnessed non-edible cooking oil to produce biodiesel, exemplifying the potential inherent in waste-to-wealth conversion.
Central to the accomplishment was the conversion of leftover cooking oil, sourced from the college’s hostel and canteen, into a viable biodiesel product. Dr Rani S, an accomplished Associate Professor from the Mechanical Engineering Department, explained that the biodiesel generated through this process found a purpose in powering the college’s bus. Spearheaded by Dr Rani and joined by Dr. (Prof) Muhammad Arif M from the CET’s Chemistry Department, along with Prof. Gopakumar S from the Government Engineering College, Barton Hill, the project not only showcased innovative prowess but also demonstrated interdisciplinary collaboration at its best.
Dr Rani further elaborated on the project’s multifaceted objectives, highlighting its potential to yield a trifecta of benefits. The triumvirate includes driving down the cost of biodiesel production, elevating fuel efficiency, and curbing the emission of pollutants like nitrogen oxide (NOx). By repurposing waste oil for biodiesel synthesis, the project effectively tackles two fronts: discouraging the reutilization of cooking oil and mitigating the environmental footprint associated with conventional fossil fuels. This dual-pronged approach aligns seamlessly with the overarching global agenda of reducing waste and minimizing the ecological toll of transportation and machinery operations.
In an enlightening revelation, Dr Rani emphasized that the produced biodiesel not only matches the efficiency of conventional diesel but also presents a promising reduction in the release of harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur compounds.
The conclusive outcomes were meticulously derived through rigorous engine testing and comprehensive emission analysis. As the project pivots toward the future, its trajectory involves scaling up biodiesel production from waste-derived feedstock, aligning seamlessly with the overarching “waste to energy” ethos championed by CET’s Center for Sustainable Development (CSD).
The CSD embodies a pivotal aspect of the Kerala Government’s visionary pursuit of sustainable development hinged upon environmentally friendly technological solutions. With a resolute commitment to achieving the 17 sustainable development goals by 2030, the centre operates as a nexus for research and technological interventions aimed at combatting pollution and fostering sustainable progress. Collaborating closely with esteemed research entities like the Science and Engineering Research Board and the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment, the CSD orchestrates a symphony of innovation and progress.
The hallowed halls of the CSD resound with a chorus of diverse ongoing projects that epitomize its dedication to pioneering solutions. Ranging from the development of pioneering fuels and lubricants sourced from plastics to the rapid, large-scale generation of biogas from waste materials, the centre’s pursuits paint a vivid portrait of resourcefulness. Delving further, they are orchestrating advanced technology capable of harnessing wind energy to avert power wastage, catalyzing green hydrogen energy production through innovative catalysts, and spearheading efforts to neutralize antibiotic-resistant bacteria in contaminated water sources. This comprehensive approach resonates deeply with the centre’s holistic mission to mitigate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in hospital effluents, underscoring their unwavering commitment to a cleaner, healthier future.
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