Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicates second generation ethanol plant to the nation at Panipat, Haryana
On 10 August, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the second generation ethanol plant at Panipat, Haryana. The plant is in line with the various measures taken by the government to promote the production and use of biofuels in the country, which is in line with efforts to make the energy sector more accessible and efficient. This second generation ethanol plant has been built by Oil Corporation of India Limited at a cost of over Rs 900 crore.
This project will add a new chapter to India's efforts in producing 'Kachare se Kanchan'. Under this, 30 million liters of ethanol can be made annually from about two lakh tons of straw and it will also help in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases equivalent to about three lakh tons of carbon dioxide.
Ethanol is one of the major biofuels, produced naturally by fermentation of sugars through petrochemical processes such as yeast or ethylene hydration. Mixing ethanol with gasoline can reduce the amount of gasoline needed to drive a car, thereby reducing dependence on imported expensive and polluting petroleum.