A senior scientist, Aniruddha Mukherjee, has emphasized the need to explore biomass energy as a viable alternative to conventional fuels in India. Biomass energy is derived from organic matter such as plants, animals, and waste materials, which can be converted into heat, electricity, or biofuels. Speaking at a symposium titled ‘The Green Summit 2025’, Mukherjee highlighted the vast potential of biomass energy, which has not been adequately evaluated in the country. He believes that harnessing biomass energy can provide an environmentally efficient alternative to traditional fuels.
Mukherjee, a professor at Calcutta University with specialization in Environmental Biotechnology, Bioremediation, and Toxicology, stressed that there is a significant scope for exploring biomass energy in India. He noted that while solar, tidal, and hydro energy sources are being explored, biomass energy has not received sufficient attention. Mukherjee also pointed out that the projected population of India in 2050 is expected to be between 168-170 crore, with a significant increase in the percentage of people above 60 years.
Another speaker, Prabir Purakayastha, founder member of the Delhi Science Forum, spoke about the importance of carbon dioxide, which is often misunderstood as a pollutant. He clarified that carbon dioxide is essential for life on earth and is not a pollutant in itself. However, excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contributes to global warming. Purakayastha’s comments highlighted the need for a nuanced understanding of environmental issues and the importance of balancing economic development with environmental conservation.
The symposium emphasized the need for scientists, environmentalists, and industry stakeholders to work together to mitigate the impact of human activities on the environment. Mukherjee stressed that collaboration between scientists and industry is crucial to addressing environmental challenges and exploring alternative energy sources like biomass energy. By harnessing biomass energy, India can reduce its dependence on conventional fuels and move towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy mix. Overall, the symposium highlighted the importance of exploring alternative energy sources and adopting a holistic approach to environmental conservation.