India's First Port-based e-Methanol Production Facility to Produce and Supply Green Fuel to Ships

Key Highlights:

• India's first port-based e-methanol production facility was inaugurated at Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat.
• The plant will have a capacity of 150 tonnes per day (TPD) and use renewable power, water, and biogenic CO2.
• It is a joint initiative of Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) and Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. (APCL), with a total investment of ₹2,300 crore.
• The facility aims to produce green fuel for cleaner shipping on the Asia-Europe International Trade Corridor and position India as a green energy exporter.
• The project aligns with India's commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2070 and promote Atmanirbharta in energy.

Detailed Insights:

• The e-methanol produced will be supplied to vessels, enabling cleaner shipping and reducing carbon footprint.
• India aims to produce green methanol at a competitive rate of US$750 per tonne, significantly lower than the global rate.
• The project will be implemented in two phases, with Phase I (50 TPD) targeted for completion by January 2027 and Phase II (100 TPD) by March 2027.
• DPA contributes 76% of the capital, including equity, land, desalinated water, and green hydrogen.
• The facility is expected to create over 3,500 direct and indirect jobs and stimulate the green energy value chain around Kandla.
• This initiative supports the broader goal of expanding India's maritime sector and achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• The collaboration between Assam and Gujarat exemplifies the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Key Concepts Involved:

• e-Methanol: A synthetic fuel produced from renewable electricity, captured carbon dioxide, and green hydrogen, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels.
• Net Zero Emissions: Achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
• Atmanirbharta: The vision of making India a self-reliant nation, particularly in critical sectors like energy.