Green Methanol Project: Policy on Invasive Species Use

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Green Methanol Project: Policy on Invasive Species Use

Context:

India’s first green methanol plant is being set up in Kandla to convert the invasive weed Prosopis juliflora into marine fuel. The Green Methanol Project aims to reduce emissions in shipping and address ecological damage caused by the species in Kutch.

  • Prosopis juliflora is an invasive alien species (IAS) introduced in India during British colonial rule that has spread aggressively in Banni grasslands (Kutch), displacing native biodiversity and degrading ecosystems.
  • IAS are non-native species that outcompete local flora/fauna, affecting ecology and livelihoods; management includes eradication, control, and utilisation.
  • Methanol (CH₃OH) is a liquid fuel and chemical feedstock, used in shipping as a cleaner alternative to bunker fuel.
  • Conventional methanol is produced from fossil fuels (coal/natural gas) via gasification or reforming, leading to emissions.
  • Green methanol is produced from renewable biomass or COâ‚‚ + green hydrogen, reducing lifecycle carbon footprint.
  • The process involves biomass gasification. Biomass is heated in limited oxygen (gasification) to produce syngas (CO + Hâ‚‚).

This syngas is then converted using a catalyst into liquid methanol fuel.

  • Aligns with International Maritime Organization (IMO) norms to reduce shipping emissions (COâ‚‚, NOx, SOx).
  • Supports India’s goals of energy transition, green ports, and circular economy by converting waste biomass into fuel.
  • Also addresses land restoration and invasive species management while generating economic value.

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