Context:
The Department of Biotechnology is exploring the development of enzyme-manufacturing facilities to enhance ethanol production. This initiative aligns with the recent launch of the BioE3 policy—Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment—aimed at fostering biotechnology-driven manufacturing in India. This move is part of a broader strategy to integrate more biotechnology solutions into India’s industrial landscape, with a focus on boosting economic growth, environmental sustainability, and job creation.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Overview of BioE3 Policy for Enhanced Biomanufacturing
- Ethanol Production and Utilization in India
- Enhancing Ethanol Production in India Through Innovative Methods
Overview of BioE3 Policy for Enhanced Biomanufacturing:
- Definition of High-Performance Biomanufacturing:
- Involves production of a wide range of products, including medical and material goods, while addressing agricultural challenges.
- Focuses on crafting bio-based products via sophisticated biotechnological methods.
- Strategic Focus Areas:
- Development of high-value bio-based chemicals, enzymes, and biopolymers.
- Innovation in smart proteins and functional foods.
- Advancements in precision biotherapeutics.
- Promotion of climate-resilient agricultural methods.
- Enhancements in carbon capture and utilization.
- Research in marine and space sectors.
- Key Policy Features:
- Encourages research and entrepreneurship across targeted sectors.
- Aims for rapid technology development and market introduction through Bio-AI hubs and biofoundries.
- Supports government initiatives for a ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy and sustainable living.
- Advocates for ‘Green Growth’ through a ‘Circular Bioeconomy’.
- Envisions a sustainable and innovative future addressing global challenges, aligned with the Bio-vision for a Developed India.
- Policy Significance:
- Addresses critical issues like climate change, food security, and public health.
- Seeks to establish a robust biomanufacturing ecosystem to foster innovative bio-based product development.
Ethanol Production and Utilization in India:
- Annual Ethanol Demand:
- NITI Aayog projects a need for approximately 13.5 billion liters of ethanol annually by 2025-26.
- Approximately 10.16 billion liters are expected to fulfill the E20 fuel-blending requirements.
Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme (EBP)
- Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme was launched in 2003- and this initiative is pursued aggressively in the last 4 to 5 years to reduce import dependence of crude oil as well as mitigate environmental pollution.
- The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) seeks to achieve blending of Ethanol with motor sprit with a view to reducing pollution, conserve foreign exchange and increase value addition in the sugar industry enabling them to clear cane price arrears of farmers.
- Although the Government of India decided to launch EBP programme in 2003 for supply of 5% ethanol blended Petrol, it later scaled up blending targets from 5% to 10% under the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP).
- The Government of India has also advanced the target for 20% ethanol blending in petrol (also called E20) to 2025 from 2030.
- Currently, 8.5% of ethanol is blended with petrol in India.
Enhancing Ethanol Production in India Through Innovative Methods:
- Introduction of 2G Ethanol Plant in Panipat, Haryana:
- Utilizes second-generation bioethanol technology, which converts agricultural waste such as rice straw into ethanol, diverging from traditional molasses-based methods.
- Established by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. in 2022, this pioneering facility has the capacity to produce 100,000 liters of ethanol daily.
- Although it offers a sustainable use for rice stubble, the process can increase air pollution due to the burning of stubble.
- BioE3 Policy Implementation:
- Aims to innovate within biotechnology by creating ‘bio-foundries’ for developing new types of feedstock and catalysts, enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of bio-manufacturing processes.
- Development of Enzyme Manufacturing Units:
- Enzymes for ethanol production are being developed from genetically modified Penicillium funiculosum, a fungus that breaks down rice stubble and soil.
- A facility planned in Manesar, Haryana, is expected to supply enzymes to both the Panipat plant and forthcoming facilities in Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) and Bhatinda (Punjab).
- Importance of Local Enzyme Production Facilities:
- Essential for the conversion of agricultural waste to ethanol, these enzymes can significantly decrease production costs.
- By producing enzymes domestically, India could significantly reduce its import costs, potentially cutting the overall expense of ethanol production by approximately two-thirds, aligning with national energy and environmental goals.
-Source: Indian Express
