In a major stride toward sustainable energy and climate action, Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL), under the leadership of Chairman and Managing Director Samir Somaiya, has unveiled a pioneering airman design in collaboration with the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai. The design introduces an innovative process that converts artificial carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions into dimethyl ether (DME), a clean and sustainable energy with the eventuality to replace conventional energy sources similar to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and diesel.
This advanced CO₂-to-DME technology represents a significant advancement in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating profitable value from artificial waste. DME is recognised as a low-emission, high-effectiveness energy that burns fairly, contributing to decarbonisation and bettered environmental performance. Beyond its part as a clean-burning energy, DME also serves as a protean chemical feedstock, supporting colourful artificial and chemical conflation processes, making it a crucial enabler of an indirect and sustainable frugality.
Speaking at the launch, Samir Somaiya stressed the broader vision driving the action. “Living sustainably and being one with nature is the only way forward. There’s no volition if we’re to save our earth for unborn generations,” he said. Under Somaiya’s leadership, GBL has constantly promoted sustainability as an essential principle, not an option. The company’s cooperation with ICT Mumbai reflects this morality, uniting scientific invention with artificial moxie to address one of the world’s most critical challenges—reducing hothouse gas emigrations.
The action also aligns with India’s broader energy and climate objectives. Somaiya refocused on the fact that India faces a “triadicenergy security amid global volatility, diving into the global imperative of climate change, and perfecting pastoral substance by empowering small growers. “India’s strength lies in its soil, its sun, and its small growers. Our energy transition must use these means to secure and ameliorate planter inflows, boost energy security, and combat climate change together,” he said.
India’s recent progress in biofuel blending exemplifies the country’s visionary approach to energy transition. The nation’s ethanol blending target has increased from 4 to 20 within just eight times. According to Somaiya, recent offers from suppliers in response to tenders by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) could raise the mix to 30, as offers now total 17.75 billion litres compared to the current tender of 10.5 billion litres. He called this “a tremendous achievement and a major occasion” to support all forms of clean-energy vehicles, including electric, flex-energy, compressed biogas, and, in the future, DME-grounded systems.
The scientific foundation of this invention stems from ICT Mumbai’s exploration excellence, led by Professor G. D. Yadav. Renowned for his benefactions to chemical engineering and sustainable process development, Prof. Yadav and his platoon have played a vital part in advancing the catalyst technology and process optimisation necessary to achieve CO₂ conversion at an artificial scale. GBL’s engineering and process brigades have, in turn, worked to ensure that the technology is commercially feasible and aligns with artificial norms, laying the root for unborn scale-up and deployment.
The collaboration between GBL and ICT Mumbai was lately recognised with the prestigious K. V. Mariwala Award for Effective Chemical Industry-Academia Partnership for 2024. The award acknowledges their concerted success in demonstrating scientific excellence through catalyst invention, delivering measurable environmental benefits by transubstantiating CO₂ into a precious resource, and achieving practical perpetration with clear pathways for commercialisation and global replication.
Looking ahead, both mates fantasise about expanding the airman to full-scale artificial operations, potentially converting up to 450 metric tonnes of biogenic CO₂ per day into eco-friendly DME. This advancement could make a measurable donation to India’s emigration reduction pretensions while fostering sustainable energy products.
Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director at GBL, underlined the global applicability of this action. “We formerly have a presence in global force chains, and with adding investments in technology and invention, we can take the lead in offering sustainable results. The focus on clean energy, environmental responsibility, and circularity in India is driving the assiduity forward, making India a seductive player in the global biochemicals request,” she said.
Both institutions involved bring significant patrimonies to the collaboration. ICT Mumbai, established in 1933 as UDCT, is a global leader in chemical, natural, and energy lores. The institute has produced originators contributing to 8% of India’s GDP and boasts 19 Padma awardees among its alumni. Godavari Biorefineries, one of India’s largest intertwined biorefineries, operates across 20 countries and has a different portfolio of bio-based chemicals largely deduced from sugarcane waste. The company has entered multiple recognitions, including the 2025 Stylish Co-generation Power Factory Award and accolades for safety and invention in bioenergy.
This design marks a defining moment in India’s clean energy trip. By bridging academia and assiduity and combining environmental responsibility with technological invention, GBL and ICT Mumbai aren’t only advancing India’s sustainability pretensions but also contributing to global climate results. As Samir Somaiya concludes, “Our path is clear—there is no real volition but to transition from reactionary to renewable energy. We must live in harmony with nature and make this earth a beautiful place for generations to come.”
