In a discussion at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2023 (BTS 2023), industry experts discussed about ‘BioTechnology for a Fossil Carbon-free Future’. In September, global temperatures reached record highs, surpassing the previous year by nearly 0.5 degrees Celsius. The trend indicates a continual rise, with 2024 projected to be even hotter. Despite international efforts to limit global temperature increases, current emissions, particularly from major contributors like the G20 nations, remain high. India, contributing 80 percent of the global population but only 7 percent of emissions, faces challenges in balancing development and emission reduction.
The experts delved deep into this trend to gain a clear vision of leveraging biotechnology for a fossil carbon-free future.
There is an increasing importance of sustainability today in the face of environmental challenges. Its areas of impact encompass economic, environmental, and social aspects. The sustainability movement recognizes the finite nature of the planet's resources, making it imperative to shift from linear consumption patterns to circular economies. The urgency to combat climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss necessitates a reevaluation of our approach to consumption and production.
“Synthetic biology is an amalgam of science and sustainability, shaping a future where innovation is interweaved seamlessly with our planet's well-being,” says Dr. Mansi Vora, Head- Bio-inspired materials, Reliance.
Reliance Industries is following a comprehensive approach, involving end-to-end IoT technology capabilities, large-scale cultivation, and the creation of resilient strains of algae. The establishment of a 60-acre integrated algae-to-oil facility showcases their commitment to sustainable practices supported by robust cultivation and biomass conversion technologies. The versatility of synthetic biology, extending beyond energy solutions to address global nutritional demands and innovative biomaterials is revolutionary. Advanced biomaterials such as nano cellulose, spider silk protein, and recombinant collagen can offer sustainable alternatives for various applications.
The synergy between the oil & gas industry and biotechnology is crucial for achieving the goal of decarbonization and greenhouse gas mitigation. The oil and gas sector presents unique opportunities with abundant feedstocks, and well-maintained infrastructure. The adaptability of biological processes, unlike traditional chemical plants, allows for diverse applications using the same infrastructure. The biological approach's ubiquity, independent of specific sites, offers flexibility and ease of application across various landscapes.
“Oil and gas companies need to be open to change and biotechnology companies need to be transparent about what they can and cannot do,” says Dr. Jitendra Joshi, Head Carbon to Products and Alternate Fuels, New Energy, Woodside Energy Ltd.
However, there are challenges arising from the distinct approaches and risk aversions of the two industries. The conservative governance and decision-making models of oil and gas companies, driven by shareholder expectations, clash with the higher risk appetite required for emerging biotechnologies. There is a need for adaptability in engineering design models so that the unique challenges associated with scaling biological operations to industrial levels can be addressed. Addressing issues such as social acceptance, public perception, and the necessity for a common language between biologists and engineers is also crucial.
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