Srivardhan Grandhi
AGM
Engineers India Limited
Srivardhan G is a post graduate in chemical engineering from IIT Kanpur working currently as Assistant General Manager in EIL R&D.
Experience: I have over 15 years of experience in CFD projects, CTL, technology development and Energy Efficiency improvement studies for refineries and petrochemicals, Biomass valorisation..
To my Credit: I am BEE certified energy auditor. Am a recipient of Ambuja young researcher award. Bagged National 2nd runner-up prize in business simulation game conducted by NHRDN in 2016. More than 20 patent applications (10 granted), 3 international publications and participated in more than 50 national and International conferences including famed World Petroleum Congress held at Istanbul, USA, Canada. Developed Novel CDU-VDU configuration challenging the conventional design with ~50 % lower steam consumption in VDU. Developed a Novel Single Column SWS unit ~ 30 % lower energy consumption and complete separation of H2S and NH3. Developed new business models in Sustainable development areas.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Leadership
Financing the Future Energy Supply
Forum 27 | Digital Poster Plaza 5
28
April
12:30
14:30
UTC+3
The global energy transition demands inclusive financing to achieve sustainability, affordability, and security, engaging individuals, communities, and institutions in transformative climate action. This study proposes a Company-Managed Sustainability Investment Platform (CMSIP), enabling employees to invest salaries or bonuses in corporate-led green projects, such as solar microgrids, waste-to-energy systems, or carbon capture pilots, while leveraging India’s ₹1 lakh crore annual CSR pool. Unlike provident funds or REITs, CMSIP harnesses corporate expertise—technical, regulatory, and R&D—to deploy innovative technologies, including those requiring Patent and Technology Rights (PTR), fostering grassroots innovation and societal impact.
CMSIP aligns with schemes like PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana of India, targeting solar panels for 100 million households with ₹30,000–₹78,000/kW subsidies, and the National Solar Mission, aiming for 100 GW solar capacity by 2030. Employees and their families, including unemployed children, participate in project implementation, gaining hands-on experience in technologies like advanced solar inverters or biomass gasifiers. This exposure equips them with real-time knowledge for higher studies or careers in new companies, fostering employability. Mutual MoUs between employee unions of different firms pool engineering and construction skills, enabling billion-dollar projects driven by employee contributions and voluntary time, strengthening workplace and community bonds.
By facilitating PTR acquisition, CMSIP revives globally transferred but underutilized technologies, such as energy storage or carbon-sequestering materials, scaling them for public good. Small-scale pilots, funded by CMSIP and CSR, test innovations like a 100 kW solar-battery system, offsetting 120 tons of CO₂ annually and saving 60% on energy costs. Weekend brainstorming and sub-committees drive community-specific solutions, like rural off-grid systems. Redirecting 50% of CSR funds could support 500 MW of renewable projects yearly, creating 10,000 jobs, including opportunities for employee families, and cutting emissions by 600,000 tons. Collaborations with institutes like IITs or MIT refine technologies, enhancing reliability.
Public-private synergies, supported by green bonds and blended finance, mitigate policy volatility and costs, while corporate governance ensures transparent fund management. CMSIP transforms workplaces into green innovation hubs, aligning with India’s 2070 net-zero goal, empowering communities, enhancing employability, and redefining investment as a catalyst for equitable, sustainable energy access and resilience.
CMSIP aligns with schemes like PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana of India, targeting solar panels for 100 million households with ₹30,000–₹78,000/kW subsidies, and the National Solar Mission, aiming for 100 GW solar capacity by 2030. Employees and their families, including unemployed children, participate in project implementation, gaining hands-on experience in technologies like advanced solar inverters or biomass gasifiers. This exposure equips them with real-time knowledge for higher studies or careers in new companies, fostering employability. Mutual MoUs between employee unions of different firms pool engineering and construction skills, enabling billion-dollar projects driven by employee contributions and voluntary time, strengthening workplace and community bonds.
By facilitating PTR acquisition, CMSIP revives globally transferred but underutilized technologies, such as energy storage or carbon-sequestering materials, scaling them for public good. Small-scale pilots, funded by CMSIP and CSR, test innovations like a 100 kW solar-battery system, offsetting 120 tons of CO₂ annually and saving 60% on energy costs. Weekend brainstorming and sub-committees drive community-specific solutions, like rural off-grid systems. Redirecting 50% of CSR funds could support 500 MW of renewable projects yearly, creating 10,000 jobs, including opportunities for employee families, and cutting emissions by 600,000 tons. Collaborations with institutes like IITs or MIT refine technologies, enhancing reliability.
Public-private synergies, supported by green bonds and blended finance, mitigate policy volatility and costs, while corporate governance ensures transparent fund management. CMSIP transforms workplaces into green innovation hubs, aligning with India’s 2070 net-zero goal, empowering communities, enhancing employability, and redefining investment as a catalyst for equitable, sustainable energy access and resilience.
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Technologies
Advancing the Circular Economy & Value of Life Cycle Analyses
Forum 22 | Digital Poster Plaza 4
29
April
14:00
16:00
UTC+3
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is pivotal in designing sustainable processes within the circular economy, assessing environmental impacts from resource extraction to end-of-life disposal. This study conducts an LCA for producing 30 million liters of bioethanol annually from rice straw, a key agricultural residue, to evaluate its environmental sustainability and alignment with circular economy principles. The functional unit is 100 kiloliters of daily bioethanol production, with system boundaries encompassing rice farming, straw collection, transportation within a 50 km radius, and bioethanol production. Approximately 210,000 tons of rice straw are required annually, sourced locally to minimize transport emissions. Life cycle inventory data is derived from industrial sources and published literature, utilizing GREET 2022 (Argonne National Laboratory) and TRACI 2.1 (USEPA) for impact assessment.
The initial Global Warming Potential (GWP) is calculated at 6.11 kg CO₂-eq per liter of bioethanol, accounting for emissions from agriculture to biorefinery (cradle-to-gate). By applying allocation and system expansion methods, including reductions from avoided farm fires and petrol production displacement, the GWP decreases to 1.59 kg CO₂-eq per liter. Further, substituting bioethanol for petrol in combustion engines yields a net-negative GWP of -1.22 kg CO₂-eq per liter, highlighting significant environmental benefits. The process demands 0.029 m³ of water per liter of ethanol and requires approximately 35 acres for the processing plant, with additional land use changes on the farm side.
Integration with a biogas plant enhances circularity by valorizing co-products, reducing waste, and improving resource efficiency. The LCA identifies key improvement areas, such as optimizing water use and minimizing transportation fuel (estimated via a developed methodology), to further lower environmental impacts. The study demonstrates that rice straw-based bioethanol production is environmentally favorable, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable land use. By leveraging LCA, this process aligns with circular economy goals, offering a scalable model for waste valorization and resource efficiency in biorefining, while providing actionable insights for process optimization and integration with other biochemical systems.
The initial Global Warming Potential (GWP) is calculated at 6.11 kg CO₂-eq per liter of bioethanol, accounting for emissions from agriculture to biorefinery (cradle-to-gate). By applying allocation and system expansion methods, including reductions from avoided farm fires and petrol production displacement, the GWP decreases to 1.59 kg CO₂-eq per liter. Further, substituting bioethanol for petrol in combustion engines yields a net-negative GWP of -1.22 kg CO₂-eq per liter, highlighting significant environmental benefits. The process demands 0.029 m³ of water per liter of ethanol and requires approximately 35 acres for the processing plant, with additional land use changes on the farm side.
Integration with a biogas plant enhances circularity by valorizing co-products, reducing waste, and improving resource efficiency. The LCA identifies key improvement areas, such as optimizing water use and minimizing transportation fuel (estimated via a developed methodology), to further lower environmental impacts. The study demonstrates that rice straw-based bioethanol production is environmentally favorable, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting sustainable land use. By leveraging LCA, this process aligns with circular economy goals, offering a scalable model for waste valorization and resource efficiency in biorefining, while providing actionable insights for process optimization and integration with other biochemical systems.
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Primary Energy Supply
The Role of Biofuels as a Feedstock
Forum 06 | Technical Programme Hall 1
30
April
10:00
11:30
UTC+3
Biogas Integration for Sustainable Petroleum Refineries. Biofuels, particularly biogas, are emerging as transformative feedstocks in the pursuit of sustainable industrial processes, offering a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. This study explores the integration of biogas—a methane-rich fuel derived from bio-methanation of agricultural residues, press-mud, and locally available biomass—into petroleum refineries to enhance energy efficiency and align with global sustainability goals. Traditional refineries consume approximately 10% of crude oil as fuel and losses, relying heavily on non-renewable natural gas (NG), which is not universally available. Biogas, with 40-60% methane content, serves as an eco-friendly, locally sourced substitute, reducing dependence on imported NG. Due to bottom-upgradation technologies such as Delayed Coking Units (DCU), Slurry Hydrocrackers, and Resid Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC), coupled with integration with petrochemicals to produce high-value products, biogas can meet the energy demands of refineries and petrochemical operations, acting as a game-changer in resource-constrained regions.
This research proposes a novel framework for integrating bio-methanation plants within refineries, leveraging waste heat, wastewater, and refinery byproducts to optimize energy use and eliminate biogas storage and transportation costs. Hydrogen required for hydroprocessing units can be produced through dry reforming, tri-reforming, or bi-reforming of biogas, even without removing CO2, reducing reliance on Hydrogen Generation Units (HGUs) that may operate on naphtha in the absence of NG. Advanced post-processing techniques, such as Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and membrane separation, enhance methane purity for specific applications, while innovative NG/biogas ejector systems streamline operations by eliminating compressor needs. Computational modeling of a 300 m³/h clean biogas plant demonstrates its feasibility for providing a consistent fuel supply for continuous refinery operations, enhancing product yield through bottom-processing technologies.
Economic assessments indicate that, despite initial setup costs, long-term savings from reduced fuel imports, lower HGU dependency, and emissions compliance ensure viability. The study addresses technical challenges, such as temperature-dependent biogas production and impurity management, through optimized process conditions and cutting-edge technologies. Applicable to both new and existing refineries, this scalable solution mitigates environmental impacts while supporting energy transitions.
The framework positions refineries as sustainable energy hubs, reducing carbon footprints and enhancing resource efficiency. Future research directions include advanced modeling for process optimization and scalability across diverse feedstocks, reinforcing the pivotal role of biofuels in transforming petroleum refineries into greener, self-sustaining systems that contribute to global renewable energy adoption and greenhouse gas emission reduction.
This research proposes a novel framework for integrating bio-methanation plants within refineries, leveraging waste heat, wastewater, and refinery byproducts to optimize energy use and eliminate biogas storage and transportation costs. Hydrogen required for hydroprocessing units can be produced through dry reforming, tri-reforming, or bi-reforming of biogas, even without removing CO2, reducing reliance on Hydrogen Generation Units (HGUs) that may operate on naphtha in the absence of NG. Advanced post-processing techniques, such as Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and membrane separation, enhance methane purity for specific applications, while innovative NG/biogas ejector systems streamline operations by eliminating compressor needs. Computational modeling of a 300 m³/h clean biogas plant demonstrates its feasibility for providing a consistent fuel supply for continuous refinery operations, enhancing product yield through bottom-processing technologies.
Economic assessments indicate that, despite initial setup costs, long-term savings from reduced fuel imports, lower HGU dependency, and emissions compliance ensure viability. The study addresses technical challenges, such as temperature-dependent biogas production and impurity management, through optimized process conditions and cutting-edge technologies. Applicable to both new and existing refineries, this scalable solution mitigates environmental impacts while supporting energy transitions.
The framework positions refineries as sustainable energy hubs, reducing carbon footprints and enhancing resource efficiency. Future research directions include advanced modeling for process optimization and scalability across diverse feedstocks, reinforcing the pivotal role of biofuels in transforming petroleum refineries into greener, self-sustaining systems that contribute to global renewable energy adoption and greenhouse gas emission reduction.
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Leadership
Human Capital - Attracting, Training and Retaining
Forum 30 | Digital Poster Plaza 5
30
April
10:00
12:00
UTC+3
Human Intelligent (HI) 5.0: Innovation, AI, and Inclusion in Talent Development for the Energy Industry
In an era of digital transformation and intense inter-industry competition, the oil, gas, and energy sector must rethink traditional approaches to human capital management. Attracting, training, and retaining top talent—especially the entrepreneurial and purpose-driven Gen Z workforce—demands a shift towards innovation, transparency, and flexibility. This forum will explore forward-looking strategies that empower employees and align individual growth with organizational development.
The modern employee seeks more than job security; they aspire to autonomy, creativity, and continuous learning. Organizations can leverage AI tools like ChatGPT, Grok to complement their time consuming repetitive works by own GPTs, AI-based learning platforms like , Udemy memberships, and structured competitive exams to offer equitable growth paths. Promotions driven by performance in such assessments foster a merit-based environment, minimizing biases and creating clarity in career progression.
Introducing an Human Intelligent (HI) 5.0 ,an AI-powered internal job mobility ecosystem—where all new roles are listed and matched with employee profiles using data on experience, completed training, past performance, and team feedback—can democratize job opportunities. Employees can opt into new roles, enabling talent circulation and minimizing stagnation.
Further, a dynamic "Work Score" system—similar to a credit score—can be implemented to evaluate employees using quantifiable KPIs. These may include project complexity, punctuality, leaves taken, publication record, involvement in business development, participation in higher education or technical forums, and peer reviews. This transparent and evolving score can guide promotions, role assignments, and rewards, replacing subjective evaluations with data-driven fairness. AI tools can make this seamless and real-time.
Additionally, fostering a culture that encourages hobbies and personal interests can nurture creativity and psychological well-being. Offering flexible work arrangements and vacation-based ideation retreats—where teams initiate projects in stimulating environments—can boost engagement and innovation. Encouraging employees to run parallel innovation projects also helps develop entrepreneurial thinking, and some projects may eventually be integrated into the company itself.
In today’s workforce environment, where both partners often work and family structures are leaner, flexibility and purpose are non-negotiable. By embracing adaptive training, transparent internal mobility, and AI-enhanced performance systems, the energy industry can position itself as a progressive, attractive, and humane employer. This forum aims to share insights and best practices to ensure we are not only recruiting the best but also continuously developing and retaining them—building a future-ready, inspired, and resilient workforce.
In an era of digital transformation and intense inter-industry competition, the oil, gas, and energy sector must rethink traditional approaches to human capital management. Attracting, training, and retaining top talent—especially the entrepreneurial and purpose-driven Gen Z workforce—demands a shift towards innovation, transparency, and flexibility. This forum will explore forward-looking strategies that empower employees and align individual growth with organizational development.
The modern employee seeks more than job security; they aspire to autonomy, creativity, and continuous learning. Organizations can leverage AI tools like ChatGPT, Grok to complement their time consuming repetitive works by own GPTs, AI-based learning platforms like , Udemy memberships, and structured competitive exams to offer equitable growth paths. Promotions driven by performance in such assessments foster a merit-based environment, minimizing biases and creating clarity in career progression.
Introducing an Human Intelligent (HI) 5.0 ,an AI-powered internal job mobility ecosystem—where all new roles are listed and matched with employee profiles using data on experience, completed training, past performance, and team feedback—can democratize job opportunities. Employees can opt into new roles, enabling talent circulation and minimizing stagnation.
Further, a dynamic "Work Score" system—similar to a credit score—can be implemented to evaluate employees using quantifiable KPIs. These may include project complexity, punctuality, leaves taken, publication record, involvement in business development, participation in higher education or technical forums, and peer reviews. This transparent and evolving score can guide promotions, role assignments, and rewards, replacing subjective evaluations with data-driven fairness. AI tools can make this seamless and real-time.
Additionally, fostering a culture that encourages hobbies and personal interests can nurture creativity and psychological well-being. Offering flexible work arrangements and vacation-based ideation retreats—where teams initiate projects in stimulating environments—can boost engagement and innovation. Encouraging employees to run parallel innovation projects also helps develop entrepreneurial thinking, and some projects may eventually be integrated into the company itself.
In today’s workforce environment, where both partners often work and family structures are leaner, flexibility and purpose are non-negotiable. By embracing adaptive training, transparent internal mobility, and AI-enhanced performance systems, the energy industry can position itself as a progressive, attractive, and humane employer. This forum aims to share insights and best practices to ensure we are not only recruiting the best but also continuously developing and retaining them—building a future-ready, inspired, and resilient workforce.
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Technologies
Powering Mobility: The Energy Transition and the Future of Transportation
Forum 24 | Digital Poster Plaza 4
30
April
12:00
14:00
UTC+3
The global energy transition is reshaping the way we move, placing sustainability, resilience, and innovation at the heart of transportation systems. As nations pursue aggressive decarbonization goals, the transport sector—traditionally a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions—is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Electric vehicles, renewable fuels, and smart infrastructure are emerging as critical enablers of this change. However, in regions where electrification is logistically or economically unviable, particularly in remote or far-flung areas, alternative pathways must be explored to ensure inclusive and sustainable mobility.
This session presents a futuristic and pragmatic concept: the reimagining of steam locomotion through modern, clean energy solutions. By utilizing biomass pellets, biogas, and green hydrogen—produced from biomass and biogas—as primary energy sources, steam engines can be revitalized as a viable and environmentally responsible mode of transportation in non-electrified regions. Unlike conventional steam technology, this next-generation system is designed for high thermal efficiency, low emissions, and operational adaptability.
Central to this model is the integration of solar energy for powering hydrogen generation and biogas compression units. Distributed renewable energy systems enable the production of green hydrogen and compressed biogas (CBG) locally, reducing reliance on centralized power grids. At strategic stops along the railway network, these fuels can be loaded onto trains via modular refueling infrastructure, minimizing downtime while supporting energy autonomy.
This innovative approach not only revives a proven mechanical platform—the steam engine—but also aligns with circular economy principles, using agricultural waste and organic residues to generate fuel. It offers a sustainable alternative to diesel locomotives and reduces dependency on complex and costly electrification projects.
The session will feature insights into the technology readiness of biomass-based fuels and hydrogen systems, policy mechanisms needed to support decentralized renewable energy production, and the design of modular, green refueling stations along rail corridors. Experts will also discuss case studies and modeling data that support the feasibility and scalability of such a solution.
By bridging historic mechanical ingenuity with modern clean energy strategies, this concept underscores how energy and mobility can intersect in novel ways to deliver inclusive, reliable, and sustainable transportation—especially in the last-mile and remote regions. As the world transitions to low-carbon systems, rethinking mobility through the lens of localized, renewable-driven innovation will be key to building a truly sustainable future.
This session presents a futuristic and pragmatic concept: the reimagining of steam locomotion through modern, clean energy solutions. By utilizing biomass pellets, biogas, and green hydrogen—produced from biomass and biogas—as primary energy sources, steam engines can be revitalized as a viable and environmentally responsible mode of transportation in non-electrified regions. Unlike conventional steam technology, this next-generation system is designed for high thermal efficiency, low emissions, and operational adaptability.
Central to this model is the integration of solar energy for powering hydrogen generation and biogas compression units. Distributed renewable energy systems enable the production of green hydrogen and compressed biogas (CBG) locally, reducing reliance on centralized power grids. At strategic stops along the railway network, these fuels can be loaded onto trains via modular refueling infrastructure, minimizing downtime while supporting energy autonomy.
This innovative approach not only revives a proven mechanical platform—the steam engine—but also aligns with circular economy principles, using agricultural waste and organic residues to generate fuel. It offers a sustainable alternative to diesel locomotives and reduces dependency on complex and costly electrification projects.
The session will feature insights into the technology readiness of biomass-based fuels and hydrogen systems, policy mechanisms needed to support decentralized renewable energy production, and the design of modular, green refueling stations along rail corridors. Experts will also discuss case studies and modeling data that support the feasibility and scalability of such a solution.
By bridging historic mechanical ingenuity with modern clean energy strategies, this concept underscores how energy and mobility can intersect in novel ways to deliver inclusive, reliable, and sustainable transportation—especially in the last-mile and remote regions. As the world transitions to low-carbon systems, rethinking mobility through the lens of localized, renewable-driven innovation will be key to building a truly sustainable future.
