PM Modi Inaugurates World's First Bamboo-Based Bioethanol Plant In Assam

(MENAFN- KNN India) Dispur, Sep 15 (KNN) The world's first second-generation bamboo-based bioethanol plant was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on Sunday at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Assam's Golaghat district.

Built at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore, the Assam Bioethanol Plant is designed to reduce reliance on imported crude oil, promote green energy, and provide economic opportunities to farmers and tribal communities through bamboo cultivation.

The inauguration was part of a wider package of projects worth about Rs 18,000 crore launched by the Prime Minister in Assam, including the foundation stone for a Rs 7,230 crore polypropylene plant at NRL.

Modi described polypropylene as an essential input for modern industries, citing its use in textiles, automotive components, medical kits, and other sectors, and said the facility would strengthen 'Make in Assam' and 'Make in India'.

Addressing the gathering, Modi highlighted India's heavy dependence on crude oil and natural gas imports, noting the large annual outflow of foreign exchange to meet energy needs.

He underscored the government's strategy to build self-reliance through domestic exploration and green energy initiatives, including bamboo-based ethanol as an alternative fuel.

The government plans to support bamboo cultivation in the region, set up small chipping units with an annual investment of about Rs 200 crore, and create new income opportunities for farmers.

“Without polypropylene, modern life is difficult to imagine,” he said, emphasising that the twin projects at NRL would boost Assam's industrial capacity while advancing India's clean energy transition.

(KNN Bureau)

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