Centre’s Push for ‘2G Ethanol’: Boosting Production and Reducing Imports with Local Enzyme Manufacturing

• The first such manufacturing plant may come up in Haryana’s Manesar, and will likely be a supplier to proposed 2G bio-ethanol plants in U.P., Punjab, and an existing plant in Haryana

Highlights:

• Recently, the union government has unveiled its BioE3 policy to boost bio-technology-centric manufacturing in India, the Department of Biotechnology is contemplating setting up enzyme-manufacturing facilities to bolster ethanol production

BioE3 Policy:

• The Union Cabinet recently approved the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy.
• Aim of the Policy: boosting biotechnology-centric manufacturing in India.
• Bio-foundries Initiative: Policy provides for setting up ‘bio-foundries’ to produce biotechnological feedstock and catalysts, enhancing bio-manufacturing capabilities.

Enzyme Manufacturing for Ethanol Production

• Proposed Facilities: The Department of Biotechnology plans to establish enzyme-manufacturing facilities, with the first potentially in Manesar, Haryana.
  • These facilities will support ethanol production for new and existing bio-ethanol plants in various locations including Mathura, Bhatinda, and Panipat.
• Enzyme Role in Ethanol Production: Enzymes are critical for converting agricultural stubble into ethanol, a process currently dependent on imported enzymes. Local production could significantly reduce costs.

Second Generation (2G) Bio-Ethanol Development

• 2G Ethanol Characteristics: Unlike traditional methods that derive ethanol from molasses, 2G ethanol uses agricultural residues like rice straw, aligning with environmental and economic sustainability.
• Panipat Ethanol Plant: The first 2G ethanol plant in Panipat utilizes rice stubble as feedstock, addressing both energy production and environmental concerns due to stubble burning in North India.

Policy Implications and Future Directions

• Ethanol Blending Mandates: The Indian government mandates a 20% ethanol blend in petrol by 2025 to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy security.
• Cost Reduction in Enzyme Procurement: Local enzyme production could reduce costs by approximately two-thirds, making the ethanol production process more economically viable.
• Agricultural and Environmental Benefits: Utilizing agricultural biomass and municipal waste for ethanol production supports sustainable land use and reduces the environmental impact of crop residue burning.

Conclusion

• The initiative aligns with national goals of energy sustainability, environmental protection, and technological self-reliance, indicating a significant shift towards integrated biotechnological solutions in India's energy sector.

Prelims Takeaway:

• 2G Ethanol
• BioE3 Policy