With an aim at promoting clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world's first 2G bioethanol plant and laid foundation stone for 360 KTPA Polypropylene (PP) plant at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) at Golaghat in Assam.

An investment of Rs. 5,000 crore has already been made for the bioethanol plant whereas the polypropylene unit to be commissioned in 2028 will witness an investment of Rs. 7,000 crore.  

The bioethanol plant is based on technology from Chempolis, a Finnish company whereas the Polypropylene plant will deploy technology from Lummus Technology. The plant will require 500,000 tonnes of bamboo every year and will produce 50 TMT of Ethanol, 19 TMT of Furfural, and 11 TMT of Acetic Acid. ABEPL is exploring opportunities to export Furfural and Acetic Acid.

The Pharma API industry will get a big boost due to the bioethanol plant. The plant will also produce food grade CO2 which will be useful for the beverages industry and 25 MW of green electricity.          

Highlighting that Assam is a land that strengthens India’s energy capabilities, the Prime Minister remarked that the petroleum products originating from Assam contribute significantly to the nation’s development.

Modi inaugurated a modern plant that produces bio-ethanol from bamboo, describing it as a matter of great pride for Assam. Alongside the inauguration of the ethanol plant, he also laid the foundation stone for a polypropylene plant.

He emphasized that these projects will boost industrial growth in Assam, accelerate the state’s development, and create new opportunities for farmers and youth and extended his congratulations to all for these initiatives.

“India is currently the fastest-growing major economy in the world”, stated the PM, remarking that as the country progresses, the demand for electricity, gas, and fuel is also rising.

He highlighted that India has long been dependent on foreign sources for these energy needs, importing large quantities of crude oil and gas. As a result, the nation has had to pay lakhs of crores of rupees annually to other countries, which in turn boosts employment and income abroad. Modi emphasized that this situation needed to be changed.

He affirmed that India has now embarked on the path of becoming self-reliant in meeting its energy requirements.

Stating that arrangements are being made to ensure a steady supply of bamboo for operating the bio-ethanol plant, Modi highlighted that the government will support local farmers in cultivating bamboo and will also procure it directly. He informed that small units related to bamboo chipping will be established in the region.

The Prime Minister announced that approximately Rs. 200 crore will be spent annually in this sector. He emphasized that this single plant will benefit thousands of people in the area.

Modi announced that Assam has received the gift of a modern polypropylene plant. He stated that this plant will strengthen the foundation of ‘Make in Assam’ and ‘Make in India’, and will also boost other manufacturing industries in the region.

“A new era of development has begun in Assam and Assam is poised to become a major centre for trade and tourism”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He concluded by affirming the collective resolve to build a developed Assam and a developed India by once again extending his best wishes to all for the development projects.

Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Ministers, Sarbananda Sonowal, Hardeep Singh Puri were present among other dignitaries at the event.

(Pravin Prashant reporting from Numaligarh, Assam)