PM Inaugurates India's First Bamboo-Based Ethanol Plant in Assam to Boost Energy Security
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first bamboo-based ethanol plant in Golaghat, Assam, a project valued at ₹5,000 crore. Described as the world's first green bamboo bioethanol facility, it aims to reduce India's reliance on fossil fuel imports and promote clean energy. The plant will source 5 lakh tonnes of green bamboo annually from Northeast states, providing a significant economic boost to local farmers and tribal communities. Additionally, a ₹7,230-crore polypropylene project was initiated at the Numaligarh Refinery. These projects are part of a broader strategy to achieve energy self-sufficiency and accelerate development in the Northeast region.
Key Points
- The plant is a 'zero-waste' facility that produces ethanol, acetic acid, and other chemicals from green bamboo.
- It is a joint venture between Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), Fortum, and Chempolis.
- The government has reclassified bamboo to allow for its commercial use, supporting the local agrarian economy.
- The project supports India's Ethanol Blending Programme and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Exam Facts
- Location: Golaghat, Assam.
- Ethanol plant cost: ₹5,000 crore.
- Annual bamboo consumption: 5 lakh tonnes.
- Ethanol production capacity: 48,900 tonnes per year.
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