Introduction:
In a significant stride towards India’s sustainable energy goals, Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL), a subsidiary of Oil India, is set to commence ethanol production at its biorefinery in the northeastern state of Assam starting this March.
As art of a broader national initiative, India, as the world’s third-largest consumer and importer of oil, is actively working to diminish its reliance on conventional crude oil by embracing eco-friendly alternatives like biofuels. This initiative is a significant step toward reducing the country’s reliance on crude oil and promoting sustainable alternatives like biofuels.
Aiming to Reduce Crude Oil Consumption
India, the world’s third-largest consumer and importer of oil, is striving to cut its crude oil consumption by increasing the use of sustainable alternatives. One of the key targets is to double the blending of ethanol with gasoline to 20% by 2025.
Numaligarh Refinery Ltd’s Biorefinery in Assam
Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL), a subsidiary of Oil India, is responsible for this innovative biorefinery. It is Situated within the northeastern state of Assam.
Bamboo as Feedstock
This biorefinery stands out because it uses bamboo as its primary feedstock. It is the first of its kind in India to adopt bamboo for this purpose.
Expected Production
The biorefinery, built in collaboration with Finnish partners Chempolis and Fortum, represents an investment of 40 billion rupees. It’s expected to produce annually:
- 50,000 tonnes of ethanol
- 16,000 tonnes of furfural
- 11,000 tonnes of acetic acid
Furfural, a key product, is used in adhesive applications.
Bamboo Availability in the Northeastern Region
The northeastern region of India is rich in bamboo cultivation. NRL’s Managing Director, Bhaskar Phukan, highlighted that the abundance of bamboo is advantageous, especially with a lack of buyers due to the closure of paper mills in the region.
Export Plans
NRL intends to export furfural to European markets once it meets local demand and obtains the necessary certifications.
Future Prospects
Phukan mentioned the exploration of smaller-sized projects in Mizoram and Meghalaya. The company sees substantial scope for cost optimization in future refineries, though no specific timeline for these new projects was provided.
Conclusion: A Promising Step Towards Sustainability
India’s first bamboo-based biorefinery is a significant leap toward reducing the nation’s crude oil consumption and promoting sustainable alternatives. By using bamboo, a locally available resource, and investing in innovative production processes, this initiative paves the way for a greener and more self-sufficient energy future. The success of this project may inspire further similar ventures across the country, contributing to India’s broader environmental and energy goals.
