While most car rallies and driveathons in the city focus on the nuances of racing such as terrain, make of the car and drivers’ skill, Avinash Narayanaswamy’s focus is completely different. On a quest to promote blends of biodiesel and increase awareness, he organised an EcoDriveathon which only qualifies vehicles that use eco-friendly fuel or a blend of the fuel. With his own car running on biodiesel which he produced from various sources including waste vegetable oil from restaurants, Avinash is a green warrior in his right.

 

Passion on track

 

Avinash’s penchant for cars and eco-friendly fuels started in 2007 when he was pursuing his first master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Technology at the University of Twente, The Netherlands. He also produces his own fuel, rides an electric two wheeler, collects rainwater, composts kitchen and other organic waste and promotes tree planting. While studying at the University in 2010, he demonstrated his green credentials by making a one-of-a-kind biodiesel adventure road trip of more than 6.500 kms across Europe through 10 countries.

 

He feels that a transition to non-fossil renewables is the answer to our pollution problems. Believing in energy security built on clean energy, he is able to draw on the knowledge he gained at the University of Twente. “But it is imperative to say that we have a long way to go. The government wants to be proactive in this field and I hope we can convince and persuade the public that biodiesel is indeed an eco-friendly alternative to conventional diesel oil.”

 

So, how did a driveathon based completely on biodiesel come about? Impressed at Avinash’s passion for using clean renewable transportation fuels, his director, Dr. Krishna Venkatesh was convinced a driveathon on biodiesel can be initiated to raise awareness in society on the importance of such clean fuels and the hazards posed by the use of fossil fuels. As many as 40 odd cars powered on various blends of 10, 20 and 30% biodiesel were part of this event. The EcoDriveathon was organised by the Centre for Incubation, Innovation, Research and Consultancy (CIIRC) where Avinash is currently as assistant professor.

 

From an academic standpoint, Avinash says that courses such as Energy and Economy, Energy from Biomass, Environment and Technology, Ecology, Society and Sustainable Development helped him get to where he is today.

 

“I guess, more programmes such as the ones mentioned above with greater emphasis on practical application holds the key to our country moving ahead towards a sustainable society,” he adds.