Dr B Thomas (Special correspondent)
Karnataka would emerge as the largest producer of Ethanol in the coming days, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a seminar on ‘Ethanol Production in Karnataka’ organised by S Nijalingappa Sugar Institute,Belagavi and Bquest Consultancy and Engineering Pvt Ltd.
In Karnataka 32 sugar factories are producing Ethanol.Another 60 are at various stages of getting the clearances to start production.
The state government is formulating an Ethanol Policy.Special incentives would be provided by the state and union governments for Ethanol production.
Ethanol production in the state would see a huge increase in the next one and a half years in the light of the Modi government’s decision to raise the Ethanol blending in petrol to 20%.
Ethanol could be produced from not only Sugarcane,but from Paddy,Jowar and Wheat husk too,Bommai said.
Atma Nirbhar in fuels
The world is moving towards clean energy, renewable energy.More research is needed on Ethanol production and usage.
Hydrogen is emerging as a major source of green energy.About 43% of renewable energy in the country is being produced in Karnataka.
The state government has signed 3 MoUs for production of green energy involving a massive investment flow of Rs.1.30 lakh crores.
It includes production of Ammonia from sea water.These initiatives would give a big push for Prime Minister Modi’s mission to make India Atma Nirbhar in the energy sector and help in making India a $5 Trillion economy, Boimmai said.
Sugar factories are contributing in a big way for Karnataka’s economy. The 72 sugar factories in the state have provided employment for lakhs of people, raised the income of farmers.
The union government’s decision to raise the Ethanol blending in fossil fuels for vehicles would not only save precious foreign exchange for the country, it would help the cause of environment protection too, Bommai said.
