Renewable Research Award Archives

Dr. Kunwar Pal | Bioenergy | Research Excellence Award

Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy | India

Dr. Kunwar Pal is a Scientist-C at Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy (SSS-NIBE), Kapurthala, specializing in thermochemical conversion of biomass and renewable energy technologies. His research focuses on biomass combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, co-pyrolysis, torrefaction, and the development of improved biomass cookstoves. He has led projects on biomass-to-biofuels conversion, including biochar, activated carbon, and liquid biofuels, as well as co-combustion studies of biomass and coal for emission reduction and efficiency optimization. Dr. Pal’s work extends to the production and characterization of biomass pellets, solid recovered fuel identification, and hydrogen generation via gasification. He has developed technologies for sustainable management of agro-residues, including low-cost biochar systems, paddy straw-based sanitary pad incinerators, and advanced biomass cookstoves assessed via energy and exergy analyses. His contributions include over 16 peer-reviewed journal publications, 7 book chapters, 29 conference papers, and one filed patent on a gasifier-based clean cookstove. He has collaborated on multiple nationally funded projects, including those by SERB, DST, CPRI, and state science councils. His research has significant impact on sustainable bioenergy production, circular economy approaches, waste valorization, and the development of renewable energy solutions tailored for rural and industrial applications.

Featured Publications

Sansaniwal, S. K., Pal, K., Rosen, M. A., & Tyagi, S. K. (2017). Recent advances in the development of biomass gasification technology: A comprehensive review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 72, 363–384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.01.061

Rafey, A., Pal, K., Bohre, A., Modak, A., & Pant, K. K. (2023). A state-of-the-art review on the technological advancements for the sustainable management of plastic waste in consort with the generation of energy and value-added chemicals. Catalysts, 13(2), 420. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13020420

Chauhan, P. R., Raveesh, G., Pal, K., Goyal, R., & Tyagi, S. K. (2023). Production of biomass derived highly porous activated carbon: A solution towards in-situ burning of crop residues in India. Bioresource Technology Reports, 22, 101425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biteb.2023.101425

Himanshu, P. K., Jain, S., & Tyagi, S. K. (2021). Energy and exergy analysis and emission reduction from forced draft gasifier cookstove models: A comparative study. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-021-10810-2

Pal, K., Jha, M. K., Gera, P., & Tyagi, S. K. (2016). Experimental study on the performance evaluation and emission reduction potential of different cookstove models using standard design parameters and testing protocols. Biofuels, 7(4), 313–335. https://doi.org/10.1080/17597269.2015.1039280

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, India

Author Profile

SCOPUS

ORCID

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Harshit Mittal began his academic journey in Chemical Engineering at the University School of Chemical Technology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Demonstrating early aptitude in renewable energy systems and materials science, his academic foundation laid the groundwork for advanced research in hydrogen energy and sustainable technologies.

🏢 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Harshit is the Founder of Pro H2Vis Solutions, a pioneering venture in hydrogen storage innovations. Prior to this, he gained significant experience as a Research Associate at the Center of Energy and Environment, KLE Technological University, and at IIT Madras. His roles encompassed research execution, system modeling, and prototype development in green energy domains, particularly hydrogen technologies.

📚 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS IN ENERGY

Harshit’s primary research revolves around hydrogen storage systems, carbon capture technologies, and machine intelligence applications in energy. His computational models, life cycle assessments, and finite element analyses contribute to the advancement of low-carbon hydrogen economies. His published work spans reputable journals like Environmental Research, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, and Current Opinions in Chemical Engineering.

Notable focus areas include:

Hydrogen Adsorption and Storage Modeling
Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production
Boron Nitride Nanotube-Based Systems
Integrated Hydrogen Supply Chains

🏅 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

His groundbreaking efforts have earned him numerous prestigious awards:

Best Undergraduate Researcher in Chemical Engineering by IIChE, Jalandhar
Best Paper Award in Vision for Viksit Bharat, by Government of Delhi
Chancellor Awards (2023 & 2024) from Vinayaka Missions Research Foundation
Best Promising Startup Award by KLE-CTIE
Vice Chancellor Award at IITYam Conference 2023
Best Paper Presentation at IITYam Conference 2022

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

His innovations have led to multiple patents related to hydrogen storage and production systems, including designs for HyVis and HyVis Pro tanks and integrated energy systems. These contributions support global efforts towards sustainable energy infrastructure, with potential applications in industry-scale clean energy transitions.

🧭 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Harshit aims to revolutionize the hydrogen economy through risk-free, scalable storage systems, and integrated clean energy infrastructures. His patented technologies have the potential to transform urban fuel networks, industrial energy backup systems, and renewable storage capacities. With a strong commitment to sustainability and scientific advancement, Harshit is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the renewable energy landscape.

✅CONCLUSION

Harshit Mittal embodies a rare blend of academic rigor, entrepreneurial spirit, and visionary leadership in energy innovation. Through his advanced research, patented inventions, and award-winning presentations, he has positioned himself as a rising force in the global hydrogen energy sector. His forward-looking contributions continue to shape the dialogue around clean, stable, and scalable energy systems.

🔬NOTABLE PUBLICATION:

AI Powered Renewable Energy Balancing, Forecasting and Global Trend Analysis using ANN-LSTM Integration

Authors: Murgod, S.; Garg, K.; Magadum, T.; Yadav, V.; Mittal, H.; Kushwaha, O.