Karnataka State Bio-Energy Development Board Engages Atlanta for Clean Energy Collaboration

Bengaluru / Atlanta, September 8, 2026: A high-level delegation from the Karnataka State Bio-energy Development Board (KSBDB), led by Hon’ble Chairman (Cabinet Rank) Shri S.E. Sudheendra, held an hour-long meeting with the Consul General of the United States at the Consulate General of the USA, Atlanta, to explore bio-energy and clean-fuel collaboration between Karnataka and the Atlanta region.

The delegation presented KSBDB’s multi-feedstock, decentralized bio-energy model — built on community participation and sustainable biomass-to-fuel supply chains — and identified strong alignment with ongoing Atlanta-region initiatives, including the U.S. DOE’s Clean Cities-Georgia coalition, the I-75 Clean Corridor Programme, and forestry-residue-to-fuel conversion efforts. The Center for Transportation and the Environment was noted as a potential technical and research partner.

The Consul General Dr. Sumith Seth welcomed the proposal for a Karnataka–Georgia collaboration, along with next steps that included a possible MoU or knowledge-exchange arrangement, technical exchange visits between Clean Cities-Georgia and KSBDB teams, and joint work on forestry-residue conversion and carbon capture.

The discussion also touched on the importance of global longevity and well-being models, with reference to the Blue Zone concept exemplified by Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. Dr. Sumith Seth spoke on the rigorous testing standards that make American produce and products costlier.

The meeting fondly remembered former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, and the Chairman underscored the importance of strengthening ties with the Indian diaspora in Atlanta — a point on which the Consul General expressed full agreement. KSBDB extended an invitation to host an Atlanta delegation in Karnataka to carry the dialogue forward.

Delegation Members
1. Shri S.E. Sudheendra, Hon’ble Chairman (Cabinet Rank), KSBDB
2. Dr. Shiju Sebastian, Adviser to the Chairman
3. Shri Alkesh Kanya Lal Patel
4. Shri Vinod Ishwar Bhai Patel
5. Shri BhikaBhai Patel
6. Shri Sarbjit Singh
7. Shri Prashanth Veerabomma
8. Shri B.K. Lokesh Gowda, Additional Private Secretary to the Hon’ble Chairman