Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first bamboo – based bioethanol plant in Golaghat, Assam, alongside laying the foundation for a ₹7,230-crore polypropylene project at Numaligarh Refinery. The facility aims to boost clean energy, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and benefit local farmers and tribal communities.
Description:
- Name: Bamboo-based 2G Bioethanol Biorefinery
- Location: Numaligarh, Assam
- Developer: Assam Bio-Refinery Pvt. Ltd. (joint venture of NRL, Fortum & Chempolis)
- Launch: September 2025
- Capacity:
- Feedstock → 5 lakh tonnes bamboo / year
- Output → 49,000 TPA bioethanol + green chemicals (furfural, acetic acid)
- 25 MW power from lignin/bio-coal
Technology & Process:
- Type: 2G (second-generation) ethanol (uses non-food biomass)
- Technology provider: Chempolis Oy (Finland) – “Formicobio” fractionation
- Process:
- Bamboo cellulose → fermented to ethanol
- Hemicellulose → furfural, acetic acid
- Lignin → bio-coal & electricity
- Zero-waste: residues → biochar & power
Significance:
- Energy security: Substitutes petrol; aids E20 blending target (2025)
- Climate benefit: Carbon-negative; aligns with Net Zero 2070
- Rural economy: Income & jobs for NE bamboo growers → promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat
- Circular economy: Utilises agri/forest residue efficiently
Related Schemes & Policies:
- National Policy on Biofuels (2018) – promotes 2G ethanol
- E20 Roadmap – 20% ethanol blending with petrol by 2025
- North East Bamboo Mission – encourages bamboo cultivation
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