PM Modi to unveil Ethanol Plant to boost biofuels production in India

The project will contribute to reduction of about three lakh tonnes of Carbon Dioxide equivalent emissions per year.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the 2nd generation (2G) Ethanol Plant in Panipat, Haryana to the nation, to boost the production and usage of biofuels in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the occasion of World Biofuel Day tomorrow, to promote the use of biofuel over conventional energy resources.

The project will contribute to a reduction of Greenhouse Gases equivalent to about 3 lakh tonnes of Carbon Dioxide equivalent emissions per annum, which can be understood as equivalent to replacing nearly 63,000 cars annually on the country’s roads.

As per the statement from PMO, the Plant is part of a long series of steps taken by the government over the years to boost the production and usage of biofuels in the country.

“This is in line with the Prime Minister’s constant endeavour to transform the energy sector into being more affordable, accessible, efficient and sustainable” it said.

The 2G Ethanol Plant has been built at an estimated cost of over Rs. 900 crore by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) and is located close to the Panipat Refinery.

“Based on state-of-the-art indigenous technology, the project will turn a new chapter in India’s waste-to-wealth endeavours by utilising about 2 lakh tonnes of rice straw (parali) annually to generate around 3 crore litres of Ethanol annually”said the statement.

“The Project will provide direct employment to people involved in the plant operation and indirect employment will be generated in the supply chain for rice straw cutting, handling, storage, etc” said PMO office.

August 10 is observed as World Biofuel Day in honour of Sir Rudolf Diesel, inventor of the diesel engine. It was just one day before, on August 9 in 1893 that Sir Diesel, first successfully operated the mechanical engine with peanut oil.

Since 2015, World Biofuel Day is celebrated every year on 10 August by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

This day is committed to raising awareness about the significance of non-fossil fuels and to highlighting the efforts made by the Government to enhance the biofuel sector.