Rourkela, Dec 22: The Department of Mechanical Engineering, NIT Rourkela, is organizing a three-day National Conference on “Waste to Energy, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (NCWECCUS - 2023)” from 22 to 24 December 2023, officials said on Friday.

Waste-to-Energy technologies consist of any waste treatment process that creates energy from a waste source.
The conference commenced with an inaugural session at 9.30 am today. Alumnus of 1990 batch from Mining Engineering Department and Vice president (Raw Materials) of Tata Steel in Jamshedpur, D.B. Sundara Ramam graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of the inaugural function.

Alumnus (2007 Batch from Mechanical Engineering Department) and Rourkela SP Mitrabhanu Mahapatra (IPS), attended the event as the Guest of Honour.
A total of 35 participants have registered to present their papers on the conference’s topic.

Inaugurating the event, the Chief Guest, D.B. Sundara Ramam, said, “The conference focuses on a critical theme, addressing the escalating economic disruptions caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes, forest fires, rising sea levels, and other climate-related changes. A key strategy for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 involves a significant role that Waste to Energy can play."

"Tata Steel, in its pursuit of carbon-neutral steel production, is actively engaged in multiple projects aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. The challenges lie in reconciling the costs of nuclear and renewable energy with the purchasing power of consumers in the energy, steel, and mining sectors, " he added.

"While industries are adopting Waste to Energy concepts, installing Carbon Capturing Units and Storage Technologies, and venturing into steel recycling businesses, etc., further research and innovations are essential to fully integrate these solutions in a cost-effective manner,” he added.

On his part, Mitrabhanu Mahapatra shared his observations on the subject and said, “Historically, developed nations have played a significant role in emitting CO2 and other hazardous gases, contributing to global warming."

"Currently, they are encouraging developing nations to align with global targets and embrace sustainable approaches in their industrial and economic development," he added.

"Given India's heavy reliance on coal energy and the ambitious goal to double energy production to meet the projected demand, carbon emissions are expected to rise in Odisha, Jharkhand, and other mining and steel production areas. Hence, we are advocating for a collaborative effort by industry and academia to yield meaningful outcomes from such conferences so that we can balance sustainable production with the country’s economic demand,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Director In Charge of NITR, Prof. Chandan Kumar Sahoo said, "Throughout this three-day conference, scholars and professionals from various parts of the country will present ideas and creative solutions. The department has enlisted the participation of esteemed professors from IITs, research labs, and industries to share their keynote lectures. He extended a warm welcome to everyone at the NITR campus and wished for a memorable learning experience as they engaged in discussions of waste to energy, carbon capture, utilization, and its storage."

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