New Delhi: In a significant step toward advancing clean energy solutions in rural India, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for a Rs 76.42-lakh CSR-funded project aimed at developing an indigenous solar hydrogen–based clean cooking and micro-power system. The initiative seeks to support India’s transition toward sustainable, pollution-free energy and aligns strongly with the country’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Transformative Rural Energy Project Under CSR Funding
The project, funded by IOCL under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, aims to deliver a clean, reliable, and renewable source of energy for rural households. Officials from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad noted that the advanced system will integrate solar energy with hydrogen-based technology to produce clean fuel for cooking as well as a micro-power supply—addressing two major needs of rural communities: safe cooking alternatives and decentralized electricity.
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MoA Signed in Presence of Senior Leadership
The agreement was formalized in the presence of Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and Sanjeev Kumar Chaudhary, Executive Director and Head of IOCL’s Bihar State Office. Senior officials from both institutions attended the event, marking the beginning of a collaborative journey toward energy innovation for underserved regions.
Health, Environmental, and Social Impact
According to officials, the solar hydrogen–based cooking system has the potential to significantly reduce reliance on traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and agricultural residue—sources still used widely in rural kitchens. These fuels contribute to indoor air pollution, posing severe health risks, especially to women who spend long hours cooking in smoke-filled environments.
By providing a smokeless, renewable energy alternative, the project aims to:
- Reduce indoor air pollution and related health issues
- Lessen deforestation linked to firewood collection
- Empower rural households with safer and more efficient cooking methods
- Advance India’s clean energy targets through adoption of hydrogen-based technology
In parallel, the micro-power system is expected to provide reliable off-grid electricity for lighting and small appliances, improving the quality of life in areas with unstable or limited electricity access.
A Step Toward India’s Clean Energy Goals
This initiative reinforces India’s push toward hydrogen-based technologies and supports the broader national agenda to develop domestic clean energy solutions that are both scalable and accessible. By combining the research expertise of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad with IOCL’s commitment to sustainable development, the project aims to deliver a replicable model for rural energy transformation.
About Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
Indian Oil Corporation Limited is India’s largest commercial enterprise and a Maharatna PSU, serving as a key driver of the nation’s energy security. With operations spanning refining, pipeline transportation, marketing, petrochemicals, and alternative energy, IOCL plays a pivotal role in powering India’s growth. The company is actively investing in clean energy, hydrogen, and sustainability initiatives under its CSR and strategic programmes to support inclusive, long-term national development.
