Karnataka seeks Maryland tie-up to turn used cooking oil into biofuel

Washington,UPDATED: Aug 4, 2026 20:14 IST

Karnataka has approached Maryland Governor Wes Moore for a possible collaboration on recycling used cooking oil to produce biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel. The proposal was discussed during a meeting between S E Sudheendra, Chairman of the Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board, and Moore in Washington on Monday.

Sudheendra said he had also invited Moore to visit Karnataka. He said their talks covered bioenergy, Compressed Bio-Gas, biodiesel, green hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel, with a focus on possible areas of cooperation.

Speaking to PTI, Sudheendra said used cooking oil and industrial waste oil can pose serious environmental and public health risks when discarded into drains, soil or water bodies. He also flagged the risk of illegally re-circulated used cooking oil entering the food chain, saying this could cause severe health hazards, including cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer.

"Converting such used oil into biodiesel not only eliminates these hazards but also transforms a pollutant into a valuable clean energy resource - a model Karnataka has actively championed and one it hopes to extend through collaboration with Maryland," Sudheendra said. He added that Moore stressed that biofuels are of great importance and highly relevant in addressing global energy and climate challenges.

Sudheendra said Karnataka is a national leader in promoting bioenergy by converting agricultural residues and biomass into valuable energy resources, contributing to energy security and rural livelihood development. During his visit, he also met Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller. American entrepreneur Ravi Puli was present at the meetings Sudheendra had with the Maryland leadership, as Karnataka pushed for cooperation on clean energy solutions.

With PTI Inputs

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