2G Ethanol Plant in Panipat | 11 Aug 2022

Why in News?

  • On the occasion of World Biofuel Day on August 10, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the second generation (2G) ethanol plant at Panipat, Haryana to the nation through video conference.

Key Points

  • The commissioning of the plant is part of a long series of steps taken by the government over the years to promote the production and use of biofuels in the country. This is in line with the Prime Minister's constant endeavor to make the energy sector more affordable, accessible, efficient and sustainable.
  • The 2G Ethanol Plant has been constructed by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) at an estimated cost of around Rs 900 crore and is located close to Panipat Refinery.
  • Based on state-of-the-art indigenous technology, this project is a new addition to India's 'Waste to Wealth' (Waste to Wealth) efforts by using about 2 lakh tonnes of rice straw (parali) annually to produce around 30 million liters of ethanol annually.
  • The ethanol produced from this plant will be blended with motor spirit (petrol) to meet the Government of India's target of 20 percent Ethanol Blended Motor Spirit (EBMS).
  • With the creation of end use for agro-crop residues, farmers will be empowered and they will get an opportunity to get additional income. This project will provide direct employment to the people involved in the operation of this plant and indirect jobs will be created in the supply chain for rice straw cutting, handling, storage etc.
  • No fluid will leak out in the project. By reducing stubble burning, the project will reduce greenhouse gases equivalent to about 3 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, which can be equated to the removal of about 63,000 cars annually on the country's roads.
  • Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that with the establishment of this modern plant, stubble would become a source of additional income for the farmers of Haryana, where rice and wheat are grown in abundance. This plant will reduce pollution in Delhi, Haryana and NCR.