Praj commences 2G smart bio-refinery

Praj Industries, the global process solutions company, today said it has commenced its first integrated second generation technology (2G) smart bio-refinery to produce ethanol from agri-waste in Gujarat.
The 2G demo plant produces ethanol by processing a variety of agri-residue like rice and wheat straw, cotton stalk, bagasse, cane trash, corn cobs and stover, into ethanol, with superior product yields, the company said in a statement issued here.
"With continual research and development, further pipeline of other renewable fuels and chemicals is underway to be produced from this technology platform. This innovative technology has substantial potential to enhance energy security and help India become energy self-reliant," its executive chairman Pramod Chaudhari said.

He said the commercialisation of the 2G ethanol technology will give an impetus to rural economy and create additional employment opportunities.
"The menace caused by burning of farm residue can be addressed effectively by converting biomass into ethanol to be used as a transportation fuel. Such biofuels are of immense national importance as they can help partially meet India's growing requirement for crude oil resulting in forex savings," Chaudhari added.