Bengaluru: Karnataka has proposed a bilateral partnership with Thailand to strengthen its bioenergy sector, promote technology transfer and attract foreign investment, Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board (KSBDB) chairman S E Sudheendra said.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Sudheendra and a high-level Thai delegation led by Jukr Boon-Long, adviser to Thailand’s foreign affairs minister for political affairs. The delegation also included Racha Aribarg, Thailand’s consul general in Chennai, and Ponpoon Pupiangjai, deputy consul general in Bengaluru.
Key areas identified for cooperation included the scientific collection and processing of used cooking oil for biofuel production, and technology exchange in sustainable aviation fuel, green hydrogen and compressed biogas.
The two sides also explored the possibility of using agricultural residues and organic waste to manufacture biobriquettes and biopellets. Joint ventures, biofuel plants and biomass processing facilities in Karnataka were among the investment opportunities discussed.
Sudheendra said bioenergy was a key component of the state’s sustainable development agenda under Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. He added that the government was working on a new bioenergy policy.
Boon-Long welcomed Karnataka’s proposals and expressed interest in expanding institutional cooperation through technical workshops, bilateral meetings and exchange of delegations. He also invited a Karnataka delegation for further discussions on joint initiatives.
