ethanol

Modern grain-based (rice/maize) plants are less polluting than sugarcane-based ones. They have mandatory ZLD (Zero Liquid Discharge) technology, which ensures no wastewater discharge and 95-99% of the water is recycled. By 2024-25, more than 60% of India's ethanol will come from grain because they use less water (2570 liters/liter of ethanol) and are better for the environment.

Ashok Gehlot's Congress government granted full approval to the Hanumangarh ethanol plant project in 2023. At the time, Congress touted it as a job-generator and symbol of development. However, after losing the election, their stance changed.

India is set to achieve a significant milestone in sustainable energy with the inauguration of the country's first bamboo-based ethanol plant by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14th September.