Centre takes major step towards ethanol production
Indian Government Plans Enzyme Manufacturing for Ethanol Production
The Indian government is advancing its efforts to boost ethanol production by considering the establishment of dedicated enzyme manufacturing facilities under the BioE3 policy. The Department of Biotechnology is evaluating plans to set up the first such facility in Manesar, Haryana. This facility would play a key role in supplying enzymes to upcoming 2G bio-ethanol plants in Mathura, Bhatinda, and Panipat, which are part of the country’s broader renewable energy initiatives.
The move is designed to reduce India’s reliance on imported enzymes, which are essential for converting rice stubble into ethanol. This is a significant component of the country’s E20 fuel-blending mandate aimed at promoting bio-based alternatives to fossil fuels. The shift would help address both environmental concerns and energy security by utilizing agricultural waste for ethanol production.
In partnership with Praj Industries, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is working to scale up enzyme production. The enzymes, which have already shown promising results in trials, could lower costs by up to two-thirds. This initiative aligns with the government’s long-term vision of reducing fossil fuel dependency and creating a sustainable energy ecosystem.
