Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate India’s first bio-refinery at Numaligarh Refinery in Assam’s Golaghat district on September 14. This landmark initiative, built with a substantial investment of ₹7,200 crore, represents a significant stride toward a sustainable energy future.
The refinery is poised to be a game-changer, producing 50,000 tonnes of ethanol annually from 500,000 tonnes of bamboo. This endeavor is not only an environmental win but also a major economic boost for the region. The project will reduce India’s reliance on imported crude oil and significantly lower carbon emissions by nearly 80% compared to traditional petrol.
Beyond its primary product of ethanol, the facility will also yield valuable by-products, including 18,000 tonnes of furfural and 11,000 tonnes of acetic acid. The refinery has been designed to be carbon-negative, with residual waste generating 25 megawatts of green power.
The project is also a boon for the local community, as it is expected to benefit approximately 3,000 local farmers in Assam. The refinery will directly source bamboo from them, with an estimated annual transaction value of around ₹200 crore. Set to become operational in December, this bio-refinery is a symbol of innovation and a sustainable future for the region.
