India Launches World’s First Bamboo-Based Ethanol Plant in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a major milestone for India’s green energy push on Sunday. He inaugurated the country’s first second-generation ethanol plant at Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) in Assam. This bamboo-based bio refinery is a game-changer, especially for the northeast region, where bamboo grows in plenty.
The foundation stone for the NRL Bio Refinery was laid by the PM back on February 9, 2019. Now, it’s up and running, marking a big win for sustainable fuels in India. This Rs 5,000 crore project is the world’s first to use bamboo for second-generation ethanol production, turning waste into valuable resources.
What makes this plant special? It’s a zero-waste wonder. It uses every bit of the bamboo to create high-value items like green furfural, green acetic acid for medicines and food, food-grade CO2, and even bio-coal. Plus, it generates 25 MW of green electricity, helping India move towards net zero emissions.
PM Modi highlighted India’s rapid progress in ethanol blending. Back in 2014, it was just 1.53%. By 2022, the country hit 10% blending five months early. The ambitious 20% E20 target, originally set for 2030, was moved to 2025—and we’ve already achieved it this ethanol supply year. "Assam boosts India’s energy capacity," the PM said. "Petroleum from here drives the nation’s growth, and our BJP-NDA government is committed to taking it further."
The PM also stressed the need for alternatives to oil and gas in these changing times. "Ethanol from bamboo is one such sustainable option," he added. This plant will directly help Assam’s farmers. The government plans to support bamboo cultivation and buy the produce, pumping in about Rs 200 crore every year. Thousands of locals will get jobs and better incomes from this single initiative.
In a double boost, the PM laid the foundation stone for a Rs 7,000 crore polypropylene plant at the same site. This will cut India’s polypropylene imports by 20%, save USD 85 million in foreign exchange annually, and create jobs worth 75,000 man-days each year.
Together, these projects worth over Rs 12,000 crore put Assam and the northeast at the heart of global green energy and petrochemicals. As Union Minister Hardeep Puri noted on X, they show PM Modi’s dedication to the region, net zero goals, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The PM also announced the National Deep Water Exploration Mission to tap ocean oil and gas reserves. Meanwhile, India has jumped to the top five globally in solar power—from lagging behind just a decade ago.
Numaligarh Refinery Limited, set up in 1993, runs a 3 MMTPA refinery in Golaghat district, Assam. Oil India Ltd holds 69.63% stake, with the Assam government at 26% and Engineers India Limited at 4.37%. This ethanol plant fits perfectly into NRL’s diversification plans for cleaner energy.
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