PM Modi inaugurates India’s first bamboo-based ethanol plant in Assam

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Assam Bioethanol Plant and laid foundation stone for polypropylene plant at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) at Golaghat in Assam on September 14.

• PM Modi launched projects worth Rs 18,530 crore in Assam.

• He emphasized that these projects will boost industrial growth in Assam, accelerate the state’s development, and create new opportunities for farmers and youth and extended his congratulations to all for these initiatives.

• In Golaghat district, PM Modi inaugurated a Rs 5,000-crore bamboo-based ethanol plant and laid the foundation stone for the Rs 7,230-crore Petro Fluidised Catalytic Cracker Unit at the Numaligarh Refinery.

• The project will produce around 49,000 tonnes of ethanol annually and also generate other valuable products such as furfural, acetic acid, carbon dioxide, and bio-coal.

• Ethanol is a major alternative source of energy, and the newly inaugurated bioethanol refinery will significantly benefit farmers and tribals.

• This will expedite Assam’s endeavour of becoming self-reliant and one of the most developed states of the country.

Blending ethanol in petrol

• Biofuels are liquid or gaseous transport fuels, such as biodiesel and bioethanol, made from biomass. They serve as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Ethanol (CH3CH2OH) is a renewable fuel that can be made from various plant materials, collectively known as “biomass”. 

• Domestically produced ethanol is a potential opportunity to reduce reliance on oil imports by blending it with conventional fossil fuels for consumption.

• India started blending ethanol in petrol on a pilot basis in 2001. 

• The ethanol was produced as a byproduct during the process of making sugar from sugarcane. 

• Ethanol is one of the primary biofuels, naturally produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or through petrochemical processes like ethylene hydration. 

• It is widely used not only as an alternative fuel source but also in various industries as a chemical solvent and in the synthesis of organic compounds. 

• Ethanol also has medical applications as an antiseptic and disinfectant, adding to its versatile uses.

• In the context of India’s rising energy demand, driven by factors such as a growing economy, an expanding population, increasing urbanisation, and evolving lifestyles, ethanol plays a critical role.

• The government has been promoting blending of ethanol in petrol under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme wherein Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) sell ethanol blended with petrol.

• The government advanced the target of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol from earlier 2030 to 2025.

• Blending locally produced ethanol with petrol will help India strengthen its energy security, enable local enterprises and farmers to participate in the energy economy and reduce vehicular emissions. 

• It reduces import dependence on crude oil while saving foreign exchange and promotes the domestic agriculture sector.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)