India's first green methanol plant to convert invasive weed into marine fuel
India's first green methanol production plant is being established in Kandla, Kutch, to convert the invasive Prosopis juliflora weed (Gando Baval) into marine fuel. This Mexican-origin shrub, which has threatened Kutch's biodiversity for decades, will serve as feedstock. Methanol, a cleaner alternative to bunker oil, can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 95% and NOx by up to 80% in vessels. The plant, a collaboration between Thermax Energy and Ankur Scientific, will produce five tonnes of methanol daily using gasification technology. This initiative aligns with the Government of India's policy to develop "green ports" and meet International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules for cleaner shipping, while also addressing the ecological problem posed by the invasive weed.
Key Points
- India's first green methanol production plant is being set up in Kandla, Kutch, to utilize the invasive Prosopis juliflora weed as feedstock.
- Prosopis juliflora, also known as Gando Baval, is a Mexican-origin invasive species that has negatively impacted Kutch's biodiversity.
- Green methanol, produced from renewable feedstocks, significantly reduces CO2, NOx, sulphur oxides, and particulate matter emissions in marine fuel.
- The plant, a joint effort by Thermax Energy and Ankur Scientific, will produce five tonnes of methanol daily using gasification technology.
- This project supports India's "green ports" policy and adherence to International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules for cleaner shipping.
Exam Facts
- First green methanol production plant in India.
- Location: Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Kutch.
- Invasive species: Prosopis juliflora (Gando Baval, Vilayati Keekar, Seemai Karuvelam).
- Companies involved: Thermax Energy (Pune) and Ankur Scientific (Vadodara).
- International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules.
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