Waste-to-Wealth: India's Green Methanol Innovation
India is establishing its first green methanol production plant at the Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat. In a unique ecological-industrial convergence, the plant uses Prosopis juliflora (an invasive weed known as Seemai Karuvelam in Tamil) as primary feedstock. This initiative by Thermax Limited and Ankur Scientific aims to decarbonize maritime logistics.
Key Technical Details:
- Capacity: The plant will produce 5 tonnes of methanol per day in its initial phase.
- Eco-Benefit: Can reduce a vessel's CO2 emissions by up to 95% and NOx by 80%.
- Feedstock: Repurposes invasive species that deplete groundwater, turning an ecological liability into a national energy asset.
For TNPSC and Environmental aspirants, this is a prime example of a 'Circular Economy' and 'Maritime Decarbonization.'