The global energy crisis and the steady depletion of fossil fuels have driven MCRC's work on alternative energy sources for the last three decades now. Technologies like biohydrogen, biomethanation, bioethanol and solar based energy systems not only serve as alternative fuel sources but are also more sustainable and cheaper than fossil fuels, thereby reducing humankind's carbon footprint, as well as benefitting rural communities. Biomass feedstock includes materials like agricultural crop residues, animal manure, algal biomass, sewage waste, industrial waste and food remains, all of which are available in plentiful quantities. With the aim of turning this waste into energy, the Centre has been working on all these feedstock materials since its inception.
As mentioned in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the living standards of people can be significantly improved with access to sustainable and affordable energy services. The advantages of alternative energy sources thus being manifold, MCRC has been working towards more widespread use of such resources, ultimately building a healthier, decentralized energy service system. One such attempt is solar-based Integrated Energy System, which provides off-grid solutions to the rural community.
