Can IIT Bombay’s leaf-to-gas technology help tackle India’s LPG crisis? Know how it works

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has developed and deployed a patented biomass gasification technology to convert dry leaf waste into cooking fuel, reducing LPG consumption on campus by 30 to 40 percent. The innovation comes at a time when concerns over LPG supply have triggered panic buying in some areas.

The institute said the technology has been in use on campus for nearly a decade, with its staff canteen currently operating on significantly lower LPG usage while maintaining efficient cooking operations.

Development and early challenges

The initiative was first proposed in 2014 by Sanjay Mahajani from the Department of Chemical Engineering. Early trials faced technical challenges, as Indian biomass produced clinkers that clogged conventional systems and generated prolonged smoke emissions lasting over 30 minutes.


Despite these setbacks, the research team continued to refine the process. By 2016, they developed a patented gasifier that reduced clinker formation by nearly 100 times, significantly improving system reliability and performance.

How IIT-B leaf to gas technology works

The biomass gasification process involves collecting and shredding dry leaves, which are then processed into pellets. These pellets are heated in a low-oxygen chamber, undergoing pyrolysis and gasification to release a fuel-rich gas mixture. The resulting gas burns cleanly, producing a steady flame suitable for cooking applications.

In 2017, Sandeep Kumar from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering joined the project, contributing to the design of an advanced burner and helping secure a patent for the technology.

Professor explains process and benefits

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Mahajani told ANI that the idea emerged from the large volume of dry leaf waste generated on campus due to its extensive green cover. He said the team sought to harness the inherent energy in this waste for internal applications such as cooking and other thermal needs.

Mahajani noted that the process required significant research and engineering. He explained that dry leaves and twigs are first converted into compressed pellets and then fed into a specially designed gasifier. The system was engineered to significantly reduce emissions, particularly particulate matter, which is typically high when such biomass is directly burned.

He added that the process produces what is known as “producer gas,” primarily composed of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, making it highly combustible. This gas is burned immediately with very low emissions, and the energy released is used to generate steam. The steam is then supplied to the campus canteen, where it powers steam-based cooking systems and other food preparation utilities.

Efficiency gains and expansion plans

Currently, the IIT Bombay staff canteen achieves about 60 percent thermal efficiency using this system, with emissions kept below 20 parts per million. The reduction in LPG consumption has translated into both cost savings and lower environmental impact.

The technology has been licensed to Infixen Energy and is being scaled up for use in large hostels. According to the institute, wider deployment could save up to Rs 50 lakh annually, replace around 90 tonnes of LPG, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 300 tonnes.

(With inputs from Agencies)