Indian firm launches ‘Green Fund’ to boost second-generation ethanol

Praj Industries, an India-based a process and project engineering company, has launched a 'Green Fund' that will help it take up projects to make second-generation ethanol plants - a move it says will help the government achieve its target of mixing automotive fuels with 10% ethanol by 2022.

Pramod Chaudhari, executive chairman, Praj Industries, said: "In order to accomplish 20% ethanol blending program set up by the government, the OMCs, project developers and technology providers like us need to ramp up our actions and develop a sustainable eco-system.

“To achieve this ambitious blending target, second-generation biofuels play a pivotal role. Globally, it has been accepted that 2G ethanol is the answer to sustainability and reducing GHG emission. The Green Fund will play as catalyst in building sustainable industry that our future generations will benefit from. Further, we have prepared ourselves to execute 2G ethanol projects worth Rs. 2500-3000 Crores in two years.”

Sustainable model

Praj has devised a farmer-centric biomass supply chain model which will benefit farmers and ensure a better livelihood. This sustainable model will help farming community to generate additional revenues from agri-waste which will be consumed to produce bioethanol. This will also generate rural employment & entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth.

Build, Operate & Maintain (BOM) package

Praj said it will also be the first technology provider to offer second generation 'biomass to ethanol' projects based on Build, Operate & Maintain (BOM) package. Under this package, Praj will not only provide the technology and build the plant but also will assist in operating and maintaining it.

Second-generation ethanol is produced from biomass which includes agricultural residues such as bagasse, corn cobs, rice and wheat straw, cotton stalk, empty fruit bunches etc.