Indian Oil inks MOU with Praj for development of 2G ethanol
Indian Oil Corp. (Indian Oil), India's flagship national oil company, has selected Praj, a Pune-based global process solutions leader, as its technology partner for setting up multiple 2nd-Generation (2G) bio-ethanol plants based on indigenously developed technology. Indian Oil will set up three such 2G bio-ethanol plants.
Indian Oil, like other Oil Marketing CPSEs are blending biofuels in transportation fuels to bring down dependency on crude oil imports and for the economic and environmental benefits. In order to enhance ethanol availability in the country, Indian Oil is developing 2G ethanol production infrastructure using ligno-cellulosic biomasses as feedstock.
Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. Pramod Chaudhari, Executive Chairman, Praj Industries Ltd., said, "Praj is offering end-to-end 2G 'Smart Bio-refinery' solutions globally. Our 'Smart Bio-refinery' is capable of producing bio-ethanol and other co-products such as bio-CNG, power and a variety of bio chemicals."
At the World Bio-fuels Day conference held at New Delhi recently, the Government of India announced that a 'biomass-based bio-fuels policy' is in the offing to boost the agro-economy and promote clean, renewable energy. This endeavor will be a socio-economic and environmental enabler, as the farming community will generate additional revenues from agri-waste, which will be utilized to produce bio-ethanol.
Praj is also providing assistance to Indian Oil for achieving various milestones towards holistic development of these projects at various suitable locations across the country.
Such 2G Ethanol Plants are based on indigenous technology and designs developed by Praj at their R&D Center in Pune. Praj will also supply plant & machinery servivces and assist in operating and maintaining the facilities.
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