In a significant step toward achieving India’s clean energy and sustainability goals, the Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). Signed in June 2025, this partnership aims to jointly develop and promote the bioenergy and bio-hydrogen sectors, both of which are vital to India’s energy transition.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive roadmap for collaboration in areas such as technology development, infrastructure creation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. A key focus of the agreement is the establishment of a dedicated knowledge centre that will serve as a hub for innovation and technical excellence in bioenergy solutions. This centre will enable the exchange of best practices, host research initiatives, and facilitate hands-on training to develop skilled manpower across the sector.
The Indian Biogas Association, recognized for its expertise and advocacy in promoting biogas, will bring its technical know-how and industry linkages to the partnership. IOCL, one of India’s leading energy companies, will provide operational and infrastructural support, leveraging its nationwide network and deep domain expertise in energy distribution and project execution.
This partnership is being seen as a pivotal move, especially in the context of India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070. The expansion of the bio-hydrogen economy is critical to decarbonizing sectors such as transportation, industry, and agriculture. With the demand for green and sustainable fuel options rising, the collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to reducing India’s dependence on fossil fuels while enhancing rural livelihoods through decentralized energy generation.
The MoU also aligns with the government’s vision under the National Bioenergy Programme and complements other initiatives such as the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme.
Industry experts believe that the IBA–IOCL alliance could accelerate the commercialization of emerging technologies in anaerobic digestion, bio-methanation, and hydrogen extraction from biomass. It represents a model of public-private cooperation that could be replicated across other domains of clean energy innovation.
This partnership is a timely and promising development, reinforcing India’s commitment to sustainable energy development while fostering innovation and capacity-building in one of the most critical sectors of the future.
