This achievement resonates deeply with the spirit of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
OdishaPlus Bureau
On the occasion of World Environment Day, as the world rallies around the urgent call for climate action and sustainable development, a significant stride in India’s green energy landscape comes from the LEAF Lab at Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ).
The Laboratory for Energy Applications and Advanced Functional Materials (LEAF Lab), under the leadership of Prof. Dinesh Bhalothia, has achieved several of its green energy technologies to Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 8 and 9, marking them ready for industrial application and real-world deployment.
This achievement resonates deeply with the spirit of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), both of which emphasize clean energy innovation, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable industrial growth.
At the heart of LEAF Lab’s research are breakthrough technologies in fuel cells, hydrogen production and storage, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) conversion into value-added fuels and chemicals—all crucial for steering the country and the world toward a low-carbon, sustainable energy future. These technologies promise to address two of the world’s most pressing challenges: growing energy demands and escalating carbon emissions.
“At LEAF Lab, we aim to push the boundaries of what is possible with materials science to drive the energy transition. Our goal is to develop technologies that are not only scientifically sound but also scalable, affordable, and aligned with national and global sustainability goals,” says Professor Dinesh Bhalothia.
One of the lab’s pioneering processes involves converting atmospheric CO₂ into clean fuels through methanation, alongside splitting water (H₂O) to produce hydrogen, a clean and efficient energy source. These innovations are a promising response to the global challenge of decarbonization and sustainable energy security.
“The lab’s work is an outcome of the leadership of Prof. N.N. Sharma, President of MUJ, who has spearheaded the establishment of ten Centres of Excellence across the university to confront grand societal challenges through interdisciplinary research. LEAF Lab stands as a flagship initiative under this mission, embodying the university’s commitment to research-driven, impactful solutions for climate action and environmental sustainability,” adds Prof. Bhalothia.
“As the nation celebrates World Environment Day, this milestone from MUJ’s LEAF Lab reinforces India’s growing role as a leader in clean energy innovation and its dedication to environmental protection. The lab’s translational research approach ensures that breakthroughs in the laboratory swiftly evolve into viable industrial solutions, contributing not just to academic progress but also to tangible environmental impact,’ he further narrates.
“LEAF Lab is a premier research hub dedicated to sustainable materials and energy applications. It focuses on addressing critical energy and environmental challenges through pioneering research in fuel cells, hydrogen technologies, and CO₂ conversion systems. The lab’s mission aligns closely with national and global sustainability frameworks, offering innovative solutions for a cleaner, greener planet” – highlighted by the university on the occasion of World Environment Day.
