Padma Bhushan recipient Dr. V. K. Saraswat visited the indigenously developed Coal to Methanol plant of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) at Hyderabad. The plant uses high ash Indian coal to produce methanol. Coal is the leading fuel for electric power generation across the world and a potential source of clean energy for the future. This project is a step towards Aatmanirbhar Methanol Economy.
Dr. Saraswat expressed happiness at the visit mentioning that “He is extremely happy to witness India’s First Indigenously developed 0.25 TPD Coal2Methanol Plant producing methanol with purity of 99.2% at BHEL India’s R&D Hyderabad. The project was funded by India DST on the initiative of NITI Aayog, PMO India and Coal Ministry.”
Dr Saraswat has had an illustrious career and is credited with the indigenous development of missiles such as Prithvi, Dhanush, Prahaar, and Agni-5; the two-tiered Ballistic Missile Defence system; the initial operational clearance of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas; and nuclear submarine INS Arihant.
He is currently a member of NITI Aayog, and Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University. He is a distinguished scientist with vast experience in defence research—in both basic and applied sciences—spanning several decades. He retired as Secretary, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), after decades of service.
