Researchers at MIT World Peace University (MITWPU) have taken bold steps towards reshaping the clean energy landscape worldwide by unveiling a revolutionary hydrogen production process that makes use of sugarcane juice and seawater to create what experts have called the “new color of hydrogen.”
The announcement of the new color of hydrogen was made well ahead of World Earth Day 2025, with the bioprocess not only promising to cut hydrogen production costs to approximately $1 per kilogram but also acting as a new benchmark for sustainable innovation. This discovery with that of a novel biodiesel reactor system using agro-waste, highlights India’s support of the government’s Green Hydrogen Mission and their advances in changing the global energy landscape.
Hydrogen created with seawater and sugarcane
A key feature of MITWPU’s innovation is the new bio-based hydrogen generation method that works at room temperature and uses sugarcane juice as a feedstock. The groundbreaking development of this innovation is its ability to utilize sea water and wastewater, two resources mostly underutilized in the hydrogen economy.
The team of scientists who were led by Dr. Bharat Kale created a system that relies on microorganisms to break down sugar compounds thus releasing hydrogen gas. This particular process also captures carbon dioxide and converts it into acetic acid whilst ensuring a zero-discharge outcome. The entire process also mitigates emissions but also creates valuable chemical byproducts which can be repurposed industrially.
Dr. Kale said, “A patent has already been filed, and we’ve submitted the project proposal to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. It’s a win-win for the sugar industry and the environment. We’re now exploring industry partnerships for lab-scale development and eventual commercialization.”
As per the new color of hydrogen it goes against the traditional classifications of hydrogen such as green, blue, or gray. The entire system relies on the production of an ultra-sustainable form of hydrogen that ultimately minimizes environmental impact.
Understanding MOFs in storage and CO₂ capture
Sustainable hydrogen production is merely one part of the equation. Storing MOFs efficiently is equally critical. MITWPU scientists are focused on understanding storage capabilities more with the help of advanced research on Metallo-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). MOFs are highly porous crystalline materials used to trap hydrogen at the molecular level.
MOFs, as such, are known to improve hydrogen storage capacity whilst simultaneously capturing carbon dioxide from surrounding environments in a closed-loop system for clean energy production and emissions reduction. The team sees the integration of MOFs into large-scale hydrogen storage systems meeting both energy needs and environmental standards.
The process of transforming agro waste into biodiesel
With the hydrogen research, MITWPU also introduced a novel biodiesel production method using agro-waste. The method which entails using agro waste was developed by Prof. Niraj Topare, Dr. Santosh Patil, and Dr. Kale. This method utilizes a heterogeneous catalyst derived from agricultural residues. The catalyst’s porous structure increases its surface area and thermal stability, which then results in higher biodiesel yield and ultimately greater efficiency.
In this way, the batch reactor system is designed to be both low-cost and environmentally friendly. The entire process eliminates waste generation and converts crop stubble that is often burned in fields in such a way that it can become a viable fuel source.
Moving towards a greener hydrogen future
The two innovations, zero-discharge hydrogen from seawater and waste, and the hydrogen usage to fuel biodiesel, are all part of MITWPU’s broader mission of incorporating science with sustainable development. The university is focused on actively seeking industry collaborations and government backing to scale these technologies, which could be market-ready in a year. Following the revelation of the first electric water metro in India, India is making strides towards a greener future.
