Nellore-based SEIL Energy India Limited, one of the largest independent power producers (IPP) in India, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-Madras) have jointly developed ‘Chemogel’, a patented nanoparticle-based solvent that enhances carbon capture efficiency.

CEO of SEIL Energy India Raghav Trivedi said in a press release issued by the company on Wednesday (February 12) that the collaboration has the potential to transform industrial carbon capture. “We are excited to take this technology to the next level. This breakthrough aligns with our commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint.”

SEIL has 2.64 GW supercritical thermal power generation plants in Nelaturu of Muthukur mandal and Ananthavaram of TP Gudur mandal in SPSR Nellore district. The company was testing this equipment at its plant in Nelaturu and would later use it in the other plant as well.

Chemogel, an amino derived microgelated solvent developed using SEIL’s corporate social responsibility fund (CSR) fund of ₹71 lakh, fared better in lab tests compared with conventional amine-based solutions. It outperformed traditional amine-based solvents with higher carbon capture rates, improved regeneration efficiency at atmospheric and higher operating temperatures.

A team from the department of chemical engineering of IIT-Madras, led by professor Jitendra Sangwai, was partnering with SEIL to develop novel methods for carbon capture. His research scholar Yogendra Kumar was also part of the team. Mr. Sangwai was establishing a pilot plant demonstrator to facilitate improved carbon capture from coal fired power plant stacks.

According to Mr. Sangwai, decarbonising industrial clusters was crucial for achieving net-zero transition, which could not be accomplished without large-scale, industry-oriented carbon capture and sequestration technology. The pilot studies aimed at optimising the performance of Chemogel technology in accordance with established standards in actual industrial operating conditions.

The breakthrough has significant implications for the development of more efficient and effective carbon capture technologies, which were crucial in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. SEIL Energy and IIT-Madras were committed to further developing and deploying this technology to support a sustainable future, the release said.