India to establish bio-ethanol plants under new scheme
The Indian government has announced the establishment of multiple bio-ethanol plants across the country under the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana. This initiative aims to promote the production of second-generation (2G) bioethanol using cellulosic and lignocellulosic biomass, encouraging cleaner fuel production and supporting India’s energy security goals.
The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana will provide financial support to set up six commercial and four demonstration 2G bioethanol plants. The commercial plants will be located in:
– Panipat, Haryana: Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
– Bargarh, Odisha: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.
– Bathinda, Punjab: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.
– Numaligarh, Assam: Numaligarh Refineries Limited
– Davangere, Karnataka: Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd.
– Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh: RCPL
Demonstration plants will also be set up in various locations, including Panipat and Sagauli, to showcase advanced bioethanol production technologies.
The 2G bioethanol plants will use innovative technologies to convert biomass into ethanol, a cleaner and renewable fuel alternative. This move supports India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels while enhancing rural economic development through sustainable energy production.
The Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) has already inaugurated a 2G bioethanol plant in Panipat, Haryana, and has initiated a third-generation bioethanol facility at the same location. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to scale up biofuel production and integrate it into the national energy framework.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Suresh Gopi, highlighted the significance of these plants in boosting India’s renewable energy capacity and meeting its environmental objectives. He stated that the government remains committed to supporting innovative biofuel technologies that contribute to a sustainable energy future.
