New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the second generation (2G) Ethanol Plant in Panipat, Haryana to the nation on Wedneday.
The event taking place on the occasion of World Biofuel Day, will be held at 4:30 PM via video conferencing.
According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the dedication of the Plant is part of a long series of steps taken by the Union government over the years to boost the production and usage of biofuels in the country. "This is in line with the Prime Minister’s constant endeavour to transform the energy sector into being more affordable, accessible, efficient and sustainable," a PMO statement read.
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The 2G Ethanol Plant has been built at an estimated cost of over Rs. 900 crore by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) 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," the PMO stated.
It further mentioned that creating an end-use for the agri-crop residue would empower farmers while providing an additional opportunity for income generation to them. The Project is also expected to provide direct employment to those involved in the plant operation as well as indirect employment in the supply chain for rice straw cutting, handling, storage, etc.
The project will have zero liquid discharge. "Through a reduction in the 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 statement read.