Bargarh 2G Bio-Refinery to Boost Circular Economy and Waste-to-Wealth Creation: Pradhan

12 Jun 2023 , 12:30 PM

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the transformative potential of the Bargarh 2G bio-refinery project, which will use rice straw to produce ethanol for blending with petrol, during his visit to the site.

The bio-refinery, currently under construction in Bargarh, Odisha, is expected to invigorate the circular economy and drive waste-to-wealth creation. Pradhan, who is the Union Minister for HRD, tweeted about the steady progress of the Bargarh bio-refinery and expressed optimism about its commissioning in the near future.

Shifting Focus to Low-Carbon Fuel Production:

Following the successful production of ethanol from sugarcane, India is now shifting its focus towards producing low-carbon fuel from grains and agricultural waste. This initiative is part of a broader program aimed at increasing ethanol blending in petrol to reduce emissions and decrease the country’s reliance on imported oil.

Currently, petrol in India contains a 10% blend of ethanol, and the government aims to double this volume by 2025.

The Bargarh 2G Bio-Refinery’s Role in Ethanol Production

The Bargarh 2G bio-refinery project plays a crucial role in augmenting ethanol production to meet the higher blending targets. With an estimated cost of Rs1,607 crore, the bio-refinery will be able to produce 100 kilolitres per day of 1G ethanol (ethanol from rice grain) and an equal volume of 2G ethanol (ethanol from rice straw).

Establishing the Bargarh 2G bio-refinery is expected to stimulate a circular economy, promote waste-to-wealth creation, enhance farmers’ income and welfare, generate employment opportunities, and boost the indigenous production of green fuel in Odisha.

Advantages and Significance of the Bargarh 2G Bio-Refinery

The Bargarh 2G bio-refinery stands as a unique project in the world, combining the production of 1G and 2G bio-ethanol from rice. The ethanol produced by the plant will be utilized for blending with petrol under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and savings in India’s crude oil import bill.

Connecting Youth with Green Jobs

In line with the Indian government’s focus on green growth and the upcoming bio-refineries in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal, Pradhan suggested designing relevant courses and modules in ethanol engineering, economics, and technology at regional Government ITIs.

This initiative aims to connect local youth with emerging green job opportunities and develop a competent and skilled workforce to support the growth of the bio-refinery sector.

By leveraging the potential of the Bargarh 2G bio-refinery, India takes another significant step towards achieving its green energy goals, fostering sustainable economic development, and reducing environmental impact.