PM Modi dedicate to nation 2nd Generation Ethanol Plant at Panipat in Haryana

Tags: Science and Technology State News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the 2nd Generation (2G) Ethanol Plant at Panipat in Haryana on 10 August.

Important facts 

• This 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 efforts to make the energy sector more affordable, accessible, efficient and sustainable.

About the Plant

• It has been built at an estimated cost of over Rs 900 crore by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL). 

• It is located close to the Panipat Refinery.

• The project will use about two lakh tonnes of rice straw (straw) annually to generate about 30 million litres of ethanol annually.

• Farmers will be empowered for better use of agro-crop residues and additional income generation opportunities will be provided to them. 

• The project will have zero liquid discharge.

• Reduction in burning of rice straw (stubble) will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 3 lakh tonnes per year and reduce greenhouse gases.

About  ethanol

• Ethanol is a kind of alcohol, it is also called ethyl alcohol.

• It can be used as fuel in vehicles by mixing it with petrol.

• After sugarcane, the central government is now focusing on preparing ethanol from rice.

• By producing ethanol, farmers can make their economic condition better by earning good profits.

• Ethanol is mainly produced from the sugarcane crop, but it can also be prepared from different types of sugar crops.

Ethanol blending programme (EBP) in India

• Under this programme 5 per cent ethanol-blended petrol will be supplied to retail outlets.

• It aims to popularize 5 per cent ethanol-blended petrol in 9 states and 4 union territories.

• Its aim is to reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil imports, cutting carbon emissions and boosting farmers’ incomes.