The Indian government has introduced the “Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan-Vatavaran Anukool Fasal Awashesh Nivaran) Yojana” to provide financial support for the development of Second Generation (2G) bioethanol plants across the country. This initiative aims to promote the use of cellulosic and lignocellulosic biomass, utilizing both petrochemical pathways and alternative feedstocks. The program seeks to advance sustainable energy production and minimize environmental impact by encouraging the use of agricultural residues and other renewable resources for bioethanol.
Under the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, six commercial and four demonstration 2G bioethanol plants have been approved. The commercial projects are:
- Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. in Panipat, Haryana
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. in Bargarh, Odisha
- Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. in Bathinda, Punjab
- Numaligarh Refineries Limited in Numaligarh, Assam
- Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. in Davangere, Karnataka
- RCPL in Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh
The demonstration projects include:
- Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. in Panipat, Haryana
- Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. in Sagauli, Bihar
- Lignopura Agrotech Pvt Ltd in Sangli, Maharashtra
- Godavari Biorefineries Ltd in Sameerwadi, Karnataka
The 2G bioethanol plant established by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) in Panipat, Haryana, was inaugurated on August 10, 2022. This plant marks a significant step forward in India’s renewable energy efforts. Construction of other commercial bioethanol plants in Bathinda, Bargarh, and Numaligarh is progressing well, contributing to the country’s bioethanol production capabilities, energy security, and environmental sustainability.
Additionally, IOCL has launched a Third Generation (3G) bioethanol plant in Panipat. This development was announced by Shri Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on July 29, 2024. The 3G bioethanol plant underscores IOCL’s commitment to advancing bioethanol technology and enhancing the production of sustainable energy resources.
The “Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana” represents a major governmental effort to boost bioethanol production in India through the establishment of 2G bioethanol plants. This scheme promotes the use of advanced biomass technologies, with the approval of six commercial and four demonstration plants highlighting the government’s dedication to renewable energy. The inauguration of IOCL’s 2G plant and the progress of ongoing projects demonstrate significant strides toward sustainable energy solutions, while the introduction of a 3G bioethanol plant illustrates a forward-looking approach to bioethanol technology.