MAHE and GHCL Join Forces on AI-Powered Real-Time Fuel Quality Monitoring

In August 2026, MAHE and GHCL, along with the Manipal Institute of Applied Physics (MIAP), partnered up to work towards developing an intelligent monitoring system that can assess fuel quality at the point of receipt. Sanjay Gupta, Vice President (Commercial), GHCL Limited, participated in the discussions with the MAHE team and exchanged the signed MoU with Dr P. Giridhar Kini, Registrar, MAHE. The collaboration is set to bring together spectroscopy, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) in order to create a rapid, on-site fuel quality assessment solution. The initiative also aims to move beyond conventional laboratory-based testing and provide industries with faster, data-driven insights for operational decision-making.

GHCL Limited, which is a leading Indian chemical manufacturer, extensively uses carbon-based fuels for energy generation and process heating. Therefore, maintaining consistent fuel quality is critical for improving operational efficiency, controlling costs, and ensuring reliable plant performance. Under this new partnership, MAHE and GHCL, along with the Manipal Institute of Applied Physics (MIAP), will work towards developing an intelligent monitoring system that will be able to assess fuel quality at the point of receipt.

The proposed system will also make use of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) in order to analyze carbon-based fuels rapidly. By combining LIBS with AI and ML, the project will develop a system capable of delivering immediate information on fuel characteristics, particularly its Gross Calorific Value (GCV). Unlike conventional testing methods, which typically require laboratory analysis and can take considerable time, the proposed solution is designed to provide rapid, on-site fuel quality information. As a result, industries could identify variations in fuel quality earlier and take corrective action without waiting for lengthy laboratory reports.

Impact on the Chemical Market

Fuel quality directly affects the performance and economics of energy-intensive industrial operations. In conventional fuel-quality verification, delays in laboratory testing can limit the ability of plant operators to respond quickly to changes in fuel characteristics. The MAHE-GHCL project aims to address this challenge by developing a real-time fuel quality monitoring system that is able to provide actionable information at the point of receipt. The technology could help industries improve fuel quality assurance, optimize fuel utilization, strengthen process efficiency, reduce uncertainty associated with conventional testing, support faster operational decision-making, and improve cost competitiveness.

Beyond developing a functional monitoring system, the collaboration will also help to generate intellectual property (IP) and create scalable technology with commercial potential. If successfully implemented, the LIBS-based fuel quality monitoring system could help provide a replicable technology model for industries that heavily depend on carbon-based fuels.

Impact on the Advanced Biofuels Market

The global advanced biofuels market size is valued at USD 121.68 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 168.29 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 2028.76 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 32.50% from 2026 to 2035.

According to Precedence Research, the market is experiencing strong growth driven by rising demand for clean energy, government policies promoting carbon reduction, and advancements in biofuel technologies that convert waste and non-food feedstocks into sustainable fuel alternatives. The global market is expanding rapidly due to increasing renewable energy investments, supportive government mandates, and rising demand for low-carbon transportation fuels, with major growth seen in North America, Europe, and emerging Asian economies.

The startup ecosystem in the advanced biofuels market is thriving, driven by innovation in waste-to-fuel technologies, algae-based fuels, and carbon capture solutions, supported by government incentives, venture capital funding, and growing interest in sustainable energy alternatives. Leading players of the global advanced biofuel industry are focusing on strategic partnerships similar to mergers and acquisitions in order to enhance their position in the global market and to get the comparative edge. This trend is anticipated to continue and will lead to the growth of the target market over the forecast time-frame.

AI is also increasingly being applied to the emerging advanced biofuels market to optimize feedstocks and biorefinery processes and improve production efficiency. Using AI and predictive analytics is key to identifying suitable biomass sources and lowering processing costs and waste. AI can be a key component in predictive maintenance, thereby reducing the downtime of machines and cutting operating expenses.

Impact on the Biofuels Market

The global biofuels market size was calculated at USD 141 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to reach around USD 271.84 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 6.78% over the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

According to Precedence Research, the growing demand for environment-friendly fuel in road transportation, rising awareness about the use of renewables, and rising focus on lowering greenhouse gas emissions are major growth drivers of the biofuels market. Advancements in genetic engineering and synthetic biology are enabling the development of biofuel crops with enhanced traits. The creation of genetically engineered enzymes has significantly improved the process of breaking down cellulose into sugars, resulting in higher yields. Biofuels have become a crucial component of the global transition toward clean and sustainable energy solutions. As industries and governments seek alternatives to fossil fuels, the demand for renewable energy sources is growing rapidly. One of the primary reasons biofuels are important today is their capability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy sustainability. Countries around the world are implementing policies that encourage the adoption of renewable fuels.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also greatly helping in transforming the biofuels market by helping in improving production efficiency, reducing operational costs, and enhancing the sustainability of biofuel generation processes. Companies all across the biofuels industry worldwide are increasingly adopting AI-driven technologies in order to optimize production workflows, minimize energy consumption, and improve overall process performance. Machine learning algorithms are also helping biofuel producers forecast feedstock availability, optimize fermentation processes, and identify the most efficient operating conditions in biorefineries.

Expert Opinion

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr Mayuresh Hede, Operations Head, Sutrapada Plant, GHCL Limited, said,

"This partnership reflects GHCL's commitment to adopting advanced technologies that improve operational excellence and sustainability. By integrating real-time analytics into fuel quality management, we aim to strengthen process efficiency while reducing uncertainties associated with conventional testing methods. We believe this initiative has the potential to set new benchmarks for quality assurance in industrial operations.”