Prof. Sarma V. Pisupati
Professor of Energy and Mineral Engineering and Chemical Engineering,
Director, Center for Critical Minerals,
The Pennsylvania State University, USA
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Sarma Pisupati
Prof. Sarma V. Pisupati is a Professor of Energy and Mineral Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University, USA. With over three decades of experience, he has made significant contributions in combustion science, gasification, clean coal technologies, and sustainable energy systems. His research integrates fundamental engineering with practical applications in energy generation and environmental protection.
At Penn State, Prof. Pisupati leads pioneering efforts in the thermochemical conversion of fuels, development of carbon capture technologies, and system-level evaluations of energy efficiency. His work supports industries and policymakers seeking to reduce emissions and enhance performance through evidence-based strategies. He has advised government agencies and industrial partners on energy policy, lifecycle assessment, and pollution control technologies.
A prolific author and respected educator, Prof. Pisupati has published widely and mentored numerous graduate students working at the intersection of technology and sustainability. He has held leadership positions in professional societies such as AIChE and ASME and is deeply involved in international collaborations focused on energy transitions.
His participation in ECM 2025 is particularly relevant as the conference focuses on energy conservation in manufacturing and process industries. Prof. Pisupati’s expertise in combustion optimization, emissions mitigation, and system integration aligns strongly with ECM 2025 themes. His global perspective and cross-sector experience enrich the dialogue on industrial energy transformation and sustainable operations.
Through his continued work, Prof. Pisupati exemplifies how advanced research and thoughtful application can drive meaningful progress in energy and environmental performance worldwide.
Title: Role of Industrial Energy Audits and Management for Successful Decarbonization
As of 2023, around 89.2% of India’s primary energy demand continues to be fulfilled by fossil fuels, a small reduction from 93.3% in 2003. This emphasizes the country's persistent dependence on carbon-intensive sources for energy supply. Compounding this issue, carbon dioxide emissions per unit of energy production have shown a steady upward trend, except in 2020 due to pandemic-related industrial disruptions. Emissions from the manufacturing sector alone nearly doubled between 2005 and 2013, rising from 315 to 623 million metric tons (Mt) of CO₂ equivalent at an average annual growth rate of 8%. This trajectory poses significant challenges to India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, emphasizing the crucial role of industrial decarbonization.
Despite the rise in emissions, India’s manufacturing sector has achieved remarkable progress in enhancing energy efficiency. However, for India to remain on track with its decarbonization goals, these efforts must be significantly expanded and systematized through comprehensive energy management strategies.
One of the most effective tools in this effort is the industrial energy audit, which allows facilities to establish a baseline and identify and implement energy-saving measures that lower operational costs and emissions. Participation in a structured energy management program remains alarmingly low. Fewer than 20% of India’s small-scale manufacturing facilities engage in such activities, mirroring trends in the United States, where only 20% of industrial establishments reported involvement in energy management in 2018. Additionally, India lacks a centralized database to monitor participation in energy audits, ISO 50001 certification, and energy monitoring systems. However, awareness is increasing; over half of manufacturing firms now report heightened concern over energy use or active managerial support for energy-saving initiatives.
The limited adoption of ISO 50001 is primarily driven by three barriers: low awareness, financial and technical resource constraints, and insufficient policy incentives. To address these challenges, a three-pronged strategy is proposed: (1) government support through incentives and subsidies; (2) capacity building through curriculum development and technical training; and (3) alignment with initiatives such as the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme.
This presentation highlights the crucial role of academic institutions and governmental agencies in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through awareness programs, energy audits, and grant navigation. Drawing from best practices and case studies from the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (Penn TAP), it emphasizes curriculum innovations that integrate industrial energy audits and provide real-world industry exposure to prepare a skilled workforce essential for India’s decarbonization journey.