New Bio-Ethanol Plants Established in India

The Government has unveiled the “Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan-Vatavaran Anukool Fasal Awashesh Nivaran) Yojana” to offer financial backing for the development of Second Generation (2G) bioethanol facilities nationwide. This program is designed to foster the deployment of 2G bioethanol production plants that leverage cellulosic and lignocellulosic biomass, incorporating both petrochemical pathways and alternative feedstocks. The scheme is designed to foster sustainable energy production and reduce environmental impact by encouraging the use of agricultural residues and other renewable resources for bioethanol production.

Under the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, approval has been granted for six commercial and four demonstration 2G bioethanol plants. The approved commercial projects are as follows: Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. in Panipat, Haryana; Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. in Bargarh, Odisha; Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. in Bathinda, Punjab; Numaligarh Refineries Limited in Numaligarh, Assam; Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. in Davangere, Karnataka; and RCPL in Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh. The demonstration projects include Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. in Panipat, Haryana; Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. in Sagauli, Bihar; Lignopura Agrotech Pvt Ltd in Sangli, Maharashtra; and Godavari Biorefineries Ltd in Sameerwadi, Karnataka.

The 2G bioethanol plant established by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) in Panipat, Haryana, was officially dedicated to the nation on 10th August 2022, marking a significant milestone in advancing renewable energy initiatives. This plant represents a key development in the country’s efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions. Concurrently, the construction of other commercial bioethanol plants is making notable progress. The plants located in Bathinda, Punjab; Bargarh, Odisha; and Numaligarh, Assam, are in advanced stages of development. These projects are integral to enhancing the country’s bioethanol production capabilities, supporting energy security, and contributing to environmental sustainability through the use of advanced biomass technologies.

IOCL has also established a Third-Generation (3G) bioethanol plant at Panipat, Haryana. This update was provided by Shri Suresh Gopi, Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on 29 July 2024. The introduction of this 3G bioethanol plant highlights IOCL’s commitment to advancing bioethanol technology and enhancing the production of sustainable and renewable energy resources.

The “Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana” represents a significant governmental initiative to advance bioethanol production in India by supporting the establishment of Second Generation (2G) bioethanol plants. This scheme fosters the use of cellulosic and lignocellulosic biomass, enhancing sustainable energy solutions. The approval of six commercial and four demonstration 2G bioethanol plants under this scheme underscores the government’s commitment to renewable energy. The dedication of IOCL’s 2G bioethanol plant in Panipat highlights early successes, while ongoing projects in Bathinda, Bargarh, and Numaligarh signal robust progress. Additionally, the establishment of a Third-Generation (3G) bioethanol plant by IOCL in Panipat reflects a forward-looking approach to bioethanol technology.