Evaluation of Green Hydrogen Production from Sugar Industry Feedstocks for Sugar Industry Sustainability

Description of project: Evaluation of Green Hydrogen Production from Sugar Industry Feedstocks for Sugar Industry Sustainability

Implementing Agency: Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI), Manjari, Pune

Project Overview:

The financial assistance for setting up the Solar Energy System (Plant) in 7 schools of Hu. Bahirji Smarak Vidyalaya Education Society, Wapti, (Hu.B.S.V.E.S ) located in the backward district of Hingoli, Maharashtra.

This project aims to develop and demonstrate green hydrogen (H₂) production technology using by products of the sugar industry—such as sugarcane juice, molasses, pressmud cake, and bagasse— through microbial dark fermentation. The initiative aligns with India’s National Hydrogen Mission and supports the sugar industry’s transition towards environmental sustainability and energy self-reliance.

VSI will lead the technology development, provide training to sugar producers, and facilitate policy-level insights for wide-scale adoption.

Objectives:

• To screen different microbial strains for green hydrogen production using dark fermentation on lab scale (batch mode; 2 L bottles).
• To test a process for production of green hydrogen (batch mode; 2 L bottles) using dark fermentation from sugarcane juice, molasses, pressmud cake and/or bagasse in batch mode.
• To optimize the process parameters for green hydrogen production (batch mode; 2 L bottles).
• To validate of green hydrogen production data using lab scale dark fermentation demo plant (100 L of H2 per day)
• To evaluate techno-economics of green hydrogen using dark fermentation.

Expected Outcomes

• Eco-friendly, low-carbon hydrogen from sugar industry waste)
• Sustainable waste management and value-addition)
• Enhanced energy access in rural areas)
• Boost to rural economy through job creation and new industries)
• Policy input and knowledge transfer to sugar mills)

Environmental Sustainability:

Fossil fuel use has led to climate change and energy insecurity. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable resources, is a clean alternative with water as its only emission. This project supports India's goal to reduce carbon footprint, promote renewable energy, and create a bio-circular economy in the sugar sector.

The technology will reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure long-term sustainability of the sugar industry—while contributing to India’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming.

Beneficiaries

• Over 500 sugar mills across India
• Key States: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka
• Rural communities through energy access, job creation, and industry support