PM Modi to dedicate to nation 2G ethanol plant in Panipat on Wednesday

New Delhi, August 8

On the occasion of World Biofuel Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate a second generation (2G) ethanol plant in Panipat, Haryana, to the nation on August 10 in a virtual mode.

The 2G ethanol plant has been built at an estimated cost of over Rs 900 crore by the Indian Oil Corporation and is located close to the Panipat Refinery.

Based on state-of-the-art indigenous technology, the project will turn a new chapter in India’s waste-to-wealth endeavours by utilising about 2 lakh tonnes of rice straw (parali)annually to generate around 3 crore litres of ethanol annually.

There will be zero liquid discharge during the process.

“Through reduction in burning of rice straw (parali), the project will contribute to a reduction of greenhouse gases equivalent to about 3 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per annum, which can be understood as equivalent to replacing nearly 63,000 cars annually on the country’s roads,” the PMO said.

Creating an end-use for the agri-crop residue would empower farmers and provide an additional income generation opportunity for them.

The project will provide direct employment to people involved in the plant operation and indirect employment will be generated in the supply chain for rice straw cutting, handling and storage, a PMO statement said.

The plant is part of a series of steps taken by the government over the years to boost the production and usage of biofuels in the country.