Current Context : Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a sustainable method to convert methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) into biofuels using microbial and biocatalytic processes.

Method:

• The process employs microbes and engineered enzymes to catalyze the conversion of methane and carbon dioxide into cleaner biofuels like ethanol and butanol​

Environmental Impact:

• Reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
• Mitigates methane and CO₂ emissions, both significant contributors to global warming.

About Biofuels

Biofuels are renewable energy sources derived from biological materials like plants, algae, and organic waste.

Types:

1. First-generation: Made from food crops (e.g., ethanol from sugarcane).
2. Second-generation: Derived from non-food biomass like agricultural residues.
3. Third-generation: Produced using algae.
4. Advanced biofuels: Created using innovative technologies such as microbial processing.