PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Bamboo-Based Ethanol Plant in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first bamboo-based ethanol plant in Golaghat, Assam, marking a major milestone in the country’s pursuit of clean energy and reduced fossil fuel dependence. Built at a cost of ₹5,000 crore, the facility — developed under Assam Bio-Ethanol Private Limited (ABEL) — has been described as the world’s first “zero-waste” green bamboo bioethanol plant.

Alongside this, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a ₹7,230-crore polypropylene project at the Numaligarh Refinery, further strengthening Assam’s position as an energy hub.

Clean Energy Push

Addressing the public during the inauguration, PM Modi emphasized the importance of energy self-sufficiency in the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.” He underlined that while India remains one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, its heavy reliance on fossil fuel imports—costing over crores of rupees annually—poses a challenge.

“India must move toward energy independence. This bamboo-based ethanol plant is a step toward clean, green, and self-reliant energy production,” he said, highlighting that the project would support India’s renewable energy transition while reducing carbon emissions.

Benefits for Farmers and Tribal Communities

A key focus of the project is to boost the rural economy and empower farmers. The plant will source five lakh tonnes of green bamboo annually from Assam and nearby northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh. This is expected to directly benefit local farmers and tribal communities by creating steady demand for bamboo cultivation.

“Earlier, cutting bamboo was penalised under previous governments as it was categorised as a tree. Our government removed this restriction, and today, we see how this decision is creating opportunities for farmers and tribal households,” PM Modi said.

Plant Capacity and Economic Impact

According to officials at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), the facility will annually produce:

• 48,900 metric tonnes of ethanol
• 11,000 tonnes of acetic acid
• 19,000 tonnes of furfural
• 31,000 metric tonnes of food-grade liquid carbon dioxide

This production capacity is expected to provide a ₹200-crore boost to Assam’s rural economy, while also supporting India’s broader energy diversification strategy.

Assam as India’s Energy Hub

PM Modi also lauded Assam’s long-standing contribution to India’s energy sector, noting that petroleum products from the region have been pivotal in driving industrial growth. He said the new projects will take Assam’s capacity to a new level, making it a cornerstone in India’s clean energy and hydrocarbon exploration efforts.

“Assam is the land that supports India’s energy efficiency. These projects are not just industrial initiatives, but also instruments of socio-economic transformation,” the Prime Minister remarked.

Industry Collaboration

The bamboo bioethanol plant has been developed as a joint venture between NRL, Finland’s Fortum, and Chempolis OY. The partnership combines advanced global technology with India’s local resources, ensuring sustainable and efficient energy production.

With this inauguration, India has entered a new phase in its clean energy journey. The bamboo-based ethanol plant not only underscores the government’s commitment to renewable energy but also strengthens rural livelihoods, reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, and sets a global benchmark for sustainable energy projects.