Assam’s tea gardens make room for bamboo to fuel bioethanol plant
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Animal husbandry, fisheries & allied· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
Assam Bio Ethanol Private Limited (ABEPL) established the world's first commercial-scale 2G bioethanol plant using bamboo as feedstock in Numaligarh.
Background
The plant is a joint venture between Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) and Finnish companies Chempolis Oy and Fortum. It is designed to produce 49,000 metric tonnes of ethanol annually from green bamboo.
Facts for Prelims
- S&T2G bioethanol: Produced from non-food biomass like bamboo or agricultural residues.
- FactABEPL plant capacity: 49,000 metric tonnes of ethanol annually.
- PlaceNumaligarh, Assam: Location of the world's first commercial-scale 2G bioethanol plant using bamboo.
- BodyABEPL: Joint venture between Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), Chempolis Oy, and Fortum.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the shift towards 2G bioethanol production from non-food biomass can contribute to India's energy security and climate goals.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Feedstock logistics: Establishing sustainable supply chains within a 300-km radius to ensure consistent bamboo availability.
- Land-use transition: Balancing tea garden preservation with bamboo cultivation for horticulture and bioethanol feedstock.
- Climate resilience: Mitigating labor shortages and climate impacts through diversified non-tea activities in Assam.
Keywords: 2G Bioethanol · Energy Security · Sustainable Supply Chain · Biofuel Feedstock · Climate Resilience
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