Prof. Dr. Shin’ya Obara | Thermochemistry | Green Chemistry Award

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Prof. Dr. Shin’ya Obara | Thermochemistry | Green Chemistry Award

Prof. Dr. Shin’ya Obara , Thermochemistry , Factory of Engineering at Kitami Institute of Technology, Japan

Prof. Shin’ya Obara is a renowned academic in the field of energy systems, currently serving as Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Kitami Institute of Technology, Hokkaido, Japan. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Nagaoka University of Technology in 1987 and 1989, respectively, and completed his Ph.D. in Mechanical Science at Hokkaido University in 2000. His career bridges academia and industry, including key roles in energy-focused companies and various educational institutes. Dr. Obara has dedicated his research to optimizing energy systems, advancing microgrid technologies, and enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources. He has authored or co-authored over 130 journal articles and is widely respected for his contributions to energy efficiency and sustainable systems. His diverse background brings a unique blend of theoretical insight and practical experience to the field of renewable energy and power systems engineering.

Professional Profile : 

Scopus 

Summary of Suitability for Award:

rof. Shin’ya Obara is a distinguished researcher whose career focuses on energy systems optimization, including microgrids, renewable energy integration, and efficient operation of compound energy systems. His expertise lies primarily in mechanical and electrical engineering aspects of energy infrastructure, with strong emphasis on sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and improving energy efficiency. While his work significantly contributes to green technologies and the broader goals of environmental sustainability, it is important to distinguish that Green Chemistry—as defined in scientific contexts—focuses specifically on designing chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Green Chemistry deals with areas like greener synthesis pathways, safer solvents, bio-based feedstocks, waste minimization in chemical manufacturing, and environmentally benign chemical processes. Prof. Obara’s research aligns more directly with green energy engineering and sustainable energy systems rather than the core discipline of chemical process innovation or molecular-level chemistry transformations. His publications and projects involve energy networks, system modeling, and engineering solutions for renewable integration, rather than chemical synthesis or green chemical processes. Prof. Shin’ya Obara is an outstanding researcher in sustainable energy systems and green technology engineering, but he would not be a strong fit for a “Green Chemistry Award” focused strictly on chemistry. innovations.

🎓Education:

Prof. Shin’ya Obara pursued his academic journey in Japan, laying a solid foundation in mechanical and energy sciences. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Nagaoka University of Technology in 1987. Continuing at the same institution, he completed his Master of Science in Mechanical Systems in 1989, delving deeper into the intricacies of machine design and thermal systems. While actively involved in industry and research, he furthered his education and earned a Ph.D. in Mechanical Science from Hokkaido University in 2000. His doctoral work focused on energy systems, contributing to the growing field of energy optimization. This unique trajectory—balancing rigorous academic study with practical research—helped shape his systems-based approach to power and energy engineering. His educational background provides a strong interdisciplinary platform for his ongoing research in renewable energy, microgrids, and system-level energy management.

🏢Work Experience:

Prof. Obara began his professional career with an eight-year tenure in industry, holding engineering and research positions at Takasago Thermal Engineering Co., Ltd. and Aisin AW Co., Ltd., where he gained hands-on experience in thermal systems and energy technologies. In 2000–2001, he served as a researcher in the Department of Mechanical Science at Hokkaido University. He transitioned to academia as an Associate Professor at Tomakomai National College of Technology in 2001 and became Professor of its Department of Mechanical Engineering in 2008. Since 2008, he has been Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Kitami Institute of Technology, Hokkaido. Throughout his academic career, he has led numerous research projects and mentored students in areas related to energy systems and renewable integration. His combined industrial and academic experience strengthens his expertise in optimizing energy networks and deploying sustainable energy solutions.

🏅Awards: 

Prof. Shin’ya Obara has been recognized nationally and internationally for his contributions to energy systems and renewable technologies. Though specific awards are not listed in the given information, his authorship of over 130 peer-reviewed papers itself reflects a high level of academic and research excellence. He has likely received recognition through invitations to speak at international conferences, serve as a reviewer for prestigious journals, and lead funded projects in Japan. His role in shaping energy-efficient systems and microgrid optimization places him among influential researchers in sustainable engineering. Professors at his level in Japan often receive internal university awards, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) support, and government-funded grants. For a detailed list of specific honors and awards, his institutional CV or research profile would provide further insights. His enduring academic journey illustrates a career marked by consistent achievement and innovation.

🔬Research Focus:

Prof. Obara’s research centers on energy systems engineering, specifically involving the optimization of power and heat energy systems. He focuses on enhancing energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy sources, and developing microgrid technologies to support decentralized power generation. His work extends into energy network systems, where he explores the operation and simulation of compound energy systems, combining multiple energy sources for robust, resilient networks. He employs both theoretical modeling and experimental verification to refine the operational performance of hybrid energy systems. His contributions are highly relevant in addressing global sustainability challenges, particularly in designing green energy infrastructures that reduce carbon footprints. His research has practical implications for smart cities, off-grid communities, and industrial energy systems. Prof. Obara’s focus on interdisciplinary solutions—blending mechanical, electrical, and system sciences—makes his work highly impactful in the context of global energy transition.

Publication Top Notes:

✅ 1. Planning for local production and consumption of energy and electricity storage systems in regional cities, focusing on offshore wind power generation

✅2. Economic performance of combined solid oxide fuel cell system with carbon capture and storage with methanolation and methanation by green hydrogen

✅ 3. Capacity planning of storage batteries for remote island microgrids with physical energy storage with CO2 phase changes

Citations: 4

✅ 4. Comparative study of methods of supplying power to the lunar base

✅ 5. Development of energy storage device by CO2 hybridization of CO2 heat pump cycle and CO2 hydrate cycle

✅ 6. Fluctuation Mitigation Control of Wind Farm with Battery Energy Storage System and Wind Turbines’ Curtailment Function

✅ 7. Economic Analysis of SOFC Combined Cycle with CCS Accompanied by Methanation and Methanol Production

✅ 8. Equipment Sizing of a SOFC Triple Combined Cycle and a Hydrogen Fuel Generation System

✅ 9. Formation temperature range expansion and energy storage properties of CO2 hydrates

Citations: 4

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Satyen Kumar Das | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das , Chemical Engineering ,  Chief General Manager at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, R&D Centre , India

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das is a distinguished Chemical Engineer and Chief General Manager at Indian Oil R&D Centre, leading the Refining Technology domain. Since joining Indian Oil in 1995, he has contributed nearly 30 years of cutting-edge research, commercialization, and troubleshooting in petroleum refining, sustainability, and circularity. He is recognized for pioneering indigenous technologies such as Ind-Coker, Needle Coke, INDMAX, and INDEcoP2F, significantly contributing to India’s energy innovation and self-reliance. With over 200 patents (144 granted globally) and 94 technical publications, his work bridges research and industry application seamlessly. Dr. Das is known for driving initiatives in crude-to-chemicals, bio-refinery, waste-to-energy, and CO₂ valorization. He has led the successful deployment of several commercial-scale processes and continues to champion green and circular technologies for a sustainable energy future. His leadership and innovation have earned him several prestigious national accolades, making him a key figure in India’s refining research landscape.

Professional Profile : 

Google Scholar 

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das is a seasoned chemical engineering researcher with nearly three decades of experience at the forefront of petroleum refining technology. As Chief General Manager at Indian Oil R&D, he has spearheaded groundbreaking innovations in residue upgradation, crude-to-chemicals, plastic circularity, and CO₂ valorization—making significant contributions toward energy sustainability and circular economy. He has led the commercialization of six major technologies and supported the operation of four commercial plants. With 210 patents filed (144 granted across multiple jurisdictions including the US, Europe, and India) and 94 journal and conference publications, his research has had both academic impact and industrial translation. Dr. Das has been honored by multiple national bodies, including the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (GoI), DSIR, and AIMA, for innovations like INDMAX, Needle Coke Technology, and IV- IZOMaxCATR. His work bridges fundamental research, applied technology, and commercial deployment, positioning him as a pioneer in refining technology and sustainable process development. Dr. Satyen Kumar Das exemplifies the qualities sought for the “Best Researcher Award”—originality, industrial relevance, academic excellence, and societal impact. His contributions have not only advanced the frontiers of petroleum research but also addressed critical environmental and sustainability challenges. He is an exceptional candidate for this prestigious recognition.

🎓Education:

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he specialized in advanced refining technologies. He earned his M.Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, where he developed a strong foundation in process design, catalysis, and fuel technology. He began his academic journey with a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from Calcutta University, where he demonstrated academic brilliance and curiosity for applied research. His academic path through premier institutions helped him cultivate expertise across petroleum refining, catalysis, process engineering, and materials chemistry. The rigorous and interdisciplinary training he received has been instrumental in his successful translation of R&D projects into commercial technologies. His educational background also laid the groundwork for his future role as a technocrat and innovator in India’s petroleum industry. His continuous learning mindset remains central to his leadership at Indian Oil R&D Centre.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Das began his professional journey at Indian Oil’s R&D Centre in 1995. Over nearly three decades, he has grown to become Chief General Manager, heading Refining Technology. From 1995 to 2013, he played a pivotal role in developing processes such as INDMAX, INDALIN, DIST-Extra, and MAXLIN. His technical services and troubleshooting expertise in FCC/RFCC/INDMAX made a significant impact on operational efficiency. From 2014 onward, he has been spearheading key initiatives including Ind-Coker, Crude to Chemicals, Needle Coke, and INDEcoP2F (plastic circularity). He has led technology commercialization efforts, driving innovations like MMO catalysts, Octamax, and IV- IZOMaxCATR. Dr. Das has overseen deployment of over 4 commercial technologies and filed over 210 patents, marking his influence on both national and global energy platforms. His forward-looking leadership also covers futuristic domains such as bio-refinery, CO₂ valorization, and advanced carbon materials, ensuring India’s alignment with energy sustainability goals.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das has been honored with numerous prestigious awards for his innovation in petroleum refining. He received the NPMP Award for INDMAX and Needle Coke technologies 🧪, and the DSIR Award for INDMAX commercialization 🛢️. The AIMA Award recognized his breakthroughs in R&D and AI integration 🤖. His energy-efficient, eco-friendly technologies, including Anode Grade Coker and IV- IZOMaxCATR, won accolades from the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MOP&NG) . Notable recognitions include the Innovation Awards (2019-20, 2022-23, 2023-24) for technologies such as Delayed Coker and INDEcoP2F ♻️. In 2025, he was also awarded the JEWEL OF INDIA 🏅 for his outstanding contributions to petroleum science. These honors are a testament to his commitment to technological excellence, sustainability, and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the energy domain. His award-winning innovations have significantly strengthened India’s refining and circular economy capabilities.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Das’s research centers on refining technology innovation, petroleum residue upgrading, and sustainable energy solutions. He focuses on developing high-efficiency catalytic processes such as INDMAX and Ind-Coker 🛢️. His work emphasizes crude-to-chemicals conversion, light olefins production, and high-octane fuel blending components like Octamax and AmyleMax 🔄. A pioneer in circular economy research, he spearheads INDEcoP2F for plastic-to-fuel transformation ♻️. He also works on CO₂ valorization, specialty chemical synthesis, and advanced carbon materials 🌱. With a forward-looking vision, Dr. Das has launched multiple initiatives in bio-refinery, waste-to-energy, and indigenous catalyst development 🔋. His research integrates sustainability, process intensification, and commercial viability, shaping India’s roadmap towards energy security and carbon neutrality. Through 210+ patents and 94 publications, he bridges academic research and industrial application, ensuring innovation meets implementation. His focus continues to align with global trends in green refining and circular chemical engineering.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Multi stage selective catalytic cracking process and a system for producing high yield of middle distillate products from heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks

Authors: D Bhattacharyya, AK Das, AV Karthikeyani, SK Das, P Kasliwal, M Santra, …

Citations: 65

2. CO-hydrogenation of syngas to fuel using silica supported Fe–Cu–K catalysts: Effects of active components

Authors: SK Das, S Majhi, P Mohanty, KK Pant

Citations: 42

3. Process for catalytic cracking of petroleum based feed stocks

Authors: S Mandal, S Kumarshah, D Bhattacharyya, VLN Murthy, AK Das, S Singh, …

Citations: 41

4. CO-hydrogenation over silica supported iron based catalysts: Influence of potassium loading

Authors: SK Das, P Mohanty, S Majhi, KK Pant

Citations: 40

5. Upgradation of undesirable olefinic liquid hydrocarbon streams

Authors: AK Das, S Mandal, S Ghosh, D Bhattacharyya, GS Mishra, JK Dixit, …

Citations: 38

6. Stabilized dual zeolite single particle catalyst composition and a process thereof

Authors: MP Kuvettu, SK Ray, G Ravichandran, V Krishnan, SK Das, S Makhija, …

Citations: 31

7. Molecular-level structural insight into clarified oil by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy: estimation of hydrocarbon types and average structural parameters

Authors: S Mondal, A Yadav, R Kumar, V Bansal, SK Das, J Christopher, GS Kapur

Citations: 29

8. Process for simultaneous cracking of lighter and heavier hydrocarbon feed and system for the same

Authors: S Subramani, D Bhattacharyya, R Manna, SK Das, T Sarkar, S Rajagopal

Citations: 19

9. Dissecting the cohesiveness among aromatics, saturates and structural features of aromatics towards needle coke generation in DCU from clarified oil by analytical techniques

Authors: S Mondal, A Yadav, V Pandey, V Sugumaran, R Bagai, R Kumar, …

Citations: 13

10. Process for simultaneous cracking of lighter and heavier hydrocarbon feed and system for the same

Authors: S Subramani, D Bhattacharyya, R Manna, SK Das, T Sarkar, S Rajagopal

Citations: 13

11. Process for the production of needle coke

Authors: D Bhattacharyya, SV Kumaran, BVHP Gupta, P Kumar, AK Das, G Saidulu, …

Citations: 8

12. Delayed coker drum and method of operating thereof

Authors: THVD Prasad, PR Pradeep, SK Das, JK Dixit, G Thapa, D Bhattacharyya, …

Citations: 7