8OCTOBER, 2025TATA CHEMICALS AND TERI OPEN BIOCHEMICALS RESEARCH FACILITY BENGALURU AIRPORT CITY PARTNERS WITH GAIL GAS FOR CNG-PNG HUBTata Chemicals Limited (TCL) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) today launched their newly established Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Biochemicals research in New Delhi. The facility was opened by Nitin Desai, Chairman, TERI; R Mukundan, Managing Director & CEO, Tata Chemicals; and Dr Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI.The Centre will develop and accelerate advanced cost-effective technologies for producing platform and specialty biochemicals from renewable raw materials for both first- and second-generation raw materials.The Centre will confirm the integrated bioprocesses at demonstration scale and/or pilot scale using bioreactors and pilot-scale recovery systems, and support their scale up to commercial applications. The research direction will focus initially on 2, 3-Butanediol, which is a high-value chemical that is used in high volume for polymers, pharmaceuticals, paints, food additives, and biofuels.Dr Sanjukta Subudhi, Associate Director at TERI, is leading the Centre's coordination to transform lab-scale innovations into market-ready solutions. Highlighting the industry's transition, Mr Desai said, "To meet both our economic and climate goals...research and industry can work together to support that transition."Calling the Centre strategically important, Mukundan noted, "This Centre is a key step in our efforts to enable future-ready chemical production using biotechnology...a catalyst for innovation, scale, and skilled workforce development."Dr Dhawan added, "It's a complete biomanufacturing ecosystem aimed at bridging the gap between early-stage research and industrial-scale implementation. Through partnerships and infrastructure, we aim to make India a frontrunner in sustainable chemical manufacturing."In line with India's Bio-E3 policy, the TCL­TERI Centre will enhance the domestic production of biochemicals, diminish reliance on petrochemicals, and establish India as a leading sustainable chemical producer. Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL) and GAIL Gas Ltd, a subsidiary of GAIL (India) Limited, have joined efforts to establish a city gas distribution (CGD) facility at Bengaluru Airport City.The objective of this initiative is to create a cleaner, greener energy ecosystem in the area. The CGD facility will include a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station, Piped Natural Gas (PNG), and other clean energy solutions, as well as public non-fuel retail and convenience services.According to Rao Munukutla, Executive Director and CEO of BACL, the upcoming city gas distribution facility of GAIL Gas in Bengaluru Airport City marks a transformative step in advancing India's clean energy transition."To be established within our Airport City that has already achieved the prestigious IGBC Green Cities Platinum Rating, this development reinforces our position as a leader in sustainable urban innovation," he said.Goutom Chakraborty, Chief Executive Officer of GAIL Gas Limited said, Our company continues to lead the way in promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly and cost-effective natural gas.The project will improve access to CNG refueling for taxis, buses, logistics fleets, and last-mile connectivity vehicles operating around Kempegowda International Airport, supporting Karnataka's broader goals around cleaner energy formational infrastructure. BACL has already achieved the IGBC Green Cities Platinum Rating, showing their commitment to sustainable urban innovative solutions.GAIL Gas Ltd is already authorized to undertake CGD projects in Bengaluru Urban and Rural Districts by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board. Having a CNG station in Bengaluru Airport City will benefit thousands of vehicles and provide accessible CNG refueling options for commuters driving to and from the airport. TOP STORIES8OCTOBER, 2025
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