Coal to Hydrogen Energy for Sustainable Solutions (CHESS)

Mission Statement

To drive cutting-edge research, development, and innovation in hydrogen production, separation and storage technologies, while encouraging new processes and applications for carbon capture and utilization in a sustainable manner that enables the decarbonization of industries and their transition towards a clean energy future.

Vision

To develop scalable and integrable hydrogen and decarbonization technologies through pioneering R&D efforts that optimize energy efficiency, costs, and foster a thriving ecosystem for an eco-friendly, resilient, and carbon-neutral future.

About the Coal to Hydrogen Energy for Sustainable Solutions (CHESS) Division

The Coal to Hydrogen Energy for Sustainable Solutions (CHESS) Division at CSIR – CIMFR has been created to drive cutting-edge research, innovation, and development in the field of hydrogen and carbon capture and utilization technologies in line with the National Hydrogen Mission and the CCUS Mission of the Govt. of India. With a mission to enable the decarbonization of industries and foster a sustainable energy future, the CHESS Division strives to be at the forefront of technological advancements in the hydrogen and CCUS sectors.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy, hydrogen and CCUS have emerged as pivotal solutions. Hydrogen, a clean and versatile energy carrier, holds immense potential to replace fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors. Additionally, CCUS technologies offer a means to capture and store carbon emissions and utilize them effectively in the production of value-added products, mitigating their impact on the environment.

The CHESS Division operates with a multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise in materials chemistry, organic chemistry and chemical engineering. Our team of dedicated researchers, engineers, and scientists collaborates closely with industry partners, academia, and government agencies to drive innovation and develop practical solutions that address the challenges associated with hydrogen and CCUS technologies.

The members of the CHESS Division are committed to pioneering efficient and cost-effective hydrogen-based technologies, leveraging diverse sources such as fossil fuels, renewables, and water electrolysis. Through our research and development efforts, we aim to optimize the entire hydrogen value chain, from production to distribution and utilization, while ensuring environmental sustainability and economic viability.

In parallel, our department focuses on advancing CCUS technologies that effectively capture and store carbon emissions from industrial processes. We explore novel approaches for carbon utilization, converting captured CO₂ into valuable products, and investigate secure and long-term storage options to combat climate change.

Moreover, by recognizing the importance of collaboration and partnerships in driving progress, we actively engage with industry stakeholders, research institutions, government agencies, and international organizations to foster an ecosystem of shared knowledge, resources, and expertise. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, we aim to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen and CCUS technologies and create a lasting impact on the global energy landscape.

Through our work, we aspire to contribute to sustainable development, economic growth, and the well-being of society. The CHESS Division is dedicated to playing a leading role in shaping a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future, where hydrogen and CCUS technologies are integral to achieving a sustainable and carbon-neutral world.

We invite you to explore our department's initiatives, research projects, and technological advancements as we strive to make a significant and positive impact on the global energy transition.

Objectives of the CHESS Division

The overarching goal of the CHESS Division is to drive the transformation of the energy landscape by enabling the widespread adoption of hydrogen and CCUS technologies that are being developed to achieve a sustainable and low-carbon future. To achieve this goal, the following objectives have been identified:

1. Technology Development: The CHESS Division intends to develop advanced and efficient technologies for hydrogen production, separation and storage using multifunctional materials, metal oxides, sulphides, selenides, carbon and its derivatives from biomass and other waste materials. On the other hand, by designing new material architectures, processes and applications, carbon capture, and utilization will be achieved. The objective is to enhance the performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of these technologies to enable their widespread adoption.
2. Research and Innovation: By carrying out cutting-edge research and fostering innovation, new means of hydrogen production and storage technologies will be developed. In addition, by employing novel processes, various value-added products and technologies for the capture, conversion and utilization of CO₂ can be materialized. Through these, the CHESS Division aims to explore new approaches, materials, and processes to improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of hydrogen and CCUS technologies.
3. Demonstration Projects: The CHESS Division will identify and partner will relevant industries to scale up potential hydrogen and CCUS technologies that have been validated through proof of concept and small-scale prototypes. With the support of industries, suitable demonstration facilities to validate the feasibility and efficacy of the developed technologies will be realized. The main idea is to showcase the real-world applicability and performance of these technologies in diverse industrial settings.
4. Collaboration and Partnerships: The CHESS Division seeks to collaborate with industry partners, research institutions, and government agencies to leverage expertise, resources, and knowledge. The objective is to foster collaboration to accelerate technology development, knowledge-sharing, and the deployment of hydrogen and CCUS-based solutions.
5. Capacity Building and Knowledge Dissemination: By contribute to capacity building in the form of training programs, workshops, and educational resources on hydrogen and CCUS technologies, the CHESS Division aims to disseminate knowledge and promote awareness among industry professionals, researchers, policymakers, and the general public about sustaining a clean environment.

An Overview of the CHESS Division’s Activities

Thrust Areas

• Development of Novel Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen production and CO₂ Reduction  
• Membranes for Separation of Gas Mixtures (H₂, CO₂, N₂, etc.)
• Design, and fabrication of Composite Pressure Vessels for Hydrogen Storage
• Conversion of Coal to Advanced Materials such as graphene, carbon nitrides, MXenes, etc.                                                                

Carbon Capture and Utilization