Centre’s Push for ‘2G Ethanol’: Boosting Production and Reducing Imports with Local Enzyme Manufacturing
- September 1, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
Centre’s Push for ‘2G Ethanol’: Boosting Production and Reducing Imports with Local Enzyme Manufacturing
Sub: Env
Sec: Suitable Development
Why in News
The Indian government’s recent BioE3 policy aims to enhance biotechnology-driven manufacturing within the country.
A key aspect of this initiative includes setting up local enzyme-manufacturing facilities to support the production of ‘2G ethanol’—a more sustainable form of bioethanol derived from rice straw rather than molasses.
Key Points:
Introduction to BioE3 Policy
Objective: The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, focuses on advancing biotechnological applications in India.
Goal: Establish ‘bio-foundries’ to produce biotechnology-developed feedstock and catalysts.
Expansion of 2G Ethanol Production
Current Status: The Indian Oil Corporation has set up the first 2G ethanol plant in Panipat, using rice stubble as feedstock.
Production Capacity: The plant aims for a production capacity of 100,000 litres per day but currently operates at 30% capacity.
Plans for Enzyme Manufacturing Facilities
Proposed Location: A new enzyme-manufacturing plant is planned for Manesar, Haryana.
Purpose: To supply enzymes for 2G ethanol plants in Mathura, Bhatinda, and Panipat.
Technological Advancements and Collaborations
Enzyme Development: The enzymes are derived from genetically modified fungi (Penicillium funoculosum) designed to efficiently hydrolyze rice stubble.
Penicillium Funoculosum: This is a species within the Penicillium genus, which is a well-known group of fungi. Penicillium species are recognized for their role in producing antibiotics, like penicillin, but can also be utilized in biotechnology for producing enzymes. Enzyme Function: The primary role of these enzymes is to break down the cellulose and hemicellulose found in plant biomass. Cellulose and hemicellulose are complex carbohydrates present in plant cell walls, and breaking them down into simpler sugars is a critical step in the production of ethanol from non-food feedstocks. Applications: Ethanol Production: In the context of ethanol production, these enzymes are used to convert agricultural residues and other lignocellulosic materials into fermentable sugars. The sugars are then fermented by yeast to produce ethanol. |
Future Outlook
Ethanol Demand: The NITI Aayog projects a need for 13.5 billion litres of ethanol annually by 2025-26, with 10.16 billion litres allocated for fuel blending.
Environmental Impact: Using biomass and municipal waste as feedstock for ethanol production provides an alternative to traditional food crops and reduces environmental impact.
What is Ethanol: Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a biofuel made from sources like sugarcane, corn, rice, wheat, and biomass.
Production Methods: Produced through fermentation of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical processes such as ethylene hydration.
Purity: Ethanol is typically 99.9% pure alcohol and can be blended with petrol to create cleaner fuel alternatives.
Byproducts of Ethanol Production
Distillers’ Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS): Residue left after the fermentation of grains and extraction of ethanol.
Uses: High-protein animal feed that supplements livestock diets.
Potash from Incineration Boiler Ash: Ash from the ethanol production boiler, containing up to 28% potash.
Uses: Rich source of potash for use as a fertilizer.
Generations of Ethanol/Biofuels:
- First-Generation Ethanol
- Feedstocks: Produced from food crops such as sugarcane, corn, and wheat.
- Process: Involves the fermentation of sugars from these crops to produce ethanol.
- Characteristics: Uses edible parts of crops; raises concerns over food vs. fuel debates and land use.
- Second-Generation Ethanol (2G Ethanol)
- Feedstocks: Produced from non-food biomass, including agricultural residues (e.g., rice straw, corn stover), wood chips, and dedicated energy crops.
- Process: Involves breaking down cellulose and hemicellulose from lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars, which are then fermented to produce ethanol.
- Characteristics: Utilizes waste and non-edible parts of plants; addresses food vs. fuel concerns and aims for higher sustainability.
- Third-Generation Ethanol (3G Ethanol)
- Feedstocks: Produced from algae and other microorganisms.
- Process: Involves cultivating algae, which can be converted into ethanol through various biochemical processes.
- Characteristics: Potential for high yield and efficiency; reduces competition with food crops and can utilize non-arable land.
- Fourth-Generation Ethanol (4G Ethanol)
- Feedstocks: Focuses on integrating carbon capture technologies with algae or other advanced feedstocks.
- Process: Incorporates carbon capture and utilization (CCU) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during ethanol production.
- Characteristics: Aims to further reduce environmental impact and enhance sustainability through innovative technologies.
Types of Molasses 1. A Molasses (First Molasses)
2. B Molasses (Second Molasses)
3. C Molasses (Final Molasses, Blackstrap Molasses, Treacle)
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India’s Ethanol Blending Targets
Ethanol Blending Program
E10: A blend of 10% ethanol with 90% petrol.
E20: A blend of 20% ethanol with 80% petrol.
Blending Targets
2020: The target was to achieve 10% ethanol blending (E10) in petrol.
2025: The government aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending (E20) in petrol, as part of the Ethanol Blending Programme.
Ethanol Production and Consumption Targets
Annual Requirement by 2025-26: According to NITI Aayog, India will require approximately 13.5 billion litres of ethanol annually.
Fuel Blending Mandate: Out of the total ethanol required, around 10.16 billion litres will be used to meet the E20 blending mandate.
Indian Initiatives in Biofuels
Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana (2019): This scheme aims to foster a supportive environment for commercial projects and enhance research and development in the 2G ethanol sector.
Ethanol Blending Policy
2018 Biofuel Policy: Initially set a target of achieving 20% ethanol blending and 5% biodiesel blending by 2030.
Revised Target: The Centre has advanced its goal, aiming to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26.
GOBAR-DHAN Scheme (2018)
Focus: This initiative, launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), is designed to manage and convert cattle dung and solid waste on farms into valuable compost, biogas, and bio-CNG. It aims to enhance cleanliness in villages and increase rural income.
Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO): Initiated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Objective: To establish a system for collecting and converting used cooking oil into biodiesel.
National Policy on Biofuels (2018)
Categorization: The policy classifies biofuels into different categories:
Basic Biofuels: First Generation (1G) bioethanol and biodiesel.
Advanced Biofuels: Second Generation (2G) ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-in fuels, Third Generation (3G) biofuels, and bio-CNG.
Incentives: Provides appropriate financial and fiscal incentives for each category to promote biofuel development.
Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)
The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) is a collaborative platform consisting of governments, international organizations, and industry stakeholders. This initiative, spearheaded by India, aims to unite major biofuel consumers and producers to advance the development and use of biofuels.
Inception: The GBA was officially launched during the 2023 G20 Summit held in New Delhi.
Goals: The alliance seeks to position biofuels as a critical component of the energy transition, contributing to job creation and economic growth.
Member Nations: The Global Biofuel Alliance is a collaborative initiative led by India, the United States, and Brazil.
It currently includes nine member countries: India, the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Bangladesh, Italy, Mauritius, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Organizational Members: Several key international organizations have committed to joining the alliance, including:
The World Bank
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
World Economic Forum (WEF)
International Energy Agency (IEA)
International Energy Forum (IEF)
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)