Deendayal Port Authority will commence site work for India’s first 150 tonne (t) per day e-methanol plant at its Kandla facility, the authority announced. The project was described as a landmark for port-led industrial development and for the country’s clean fuel agenda. The plant capacity of 150 t per day positions it as a small-scale demonstration facility intended to validate technologies and operational models. Preparatory surveys and ground clearance are expected to be the immediate focus.

The release associated the initiative with broader efforts to promote alternative fuels and listed Assam Petrochemicals among topical references, indicating industrial interest. The plant will link to existing port logistics and may leverage maritime infrastructure for feedstock and product movement. Site selection at Kandla is expected to benefit from established connectivity and storage facilities, which could reduce initial handling complexity. Environmental permits and safety assessments will form part of the preliminary approvals.

The development was framed as a strategic step for decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors and as part of pilot projects that demonstrate e-fuel viability at scale. E-methanol is anticipated to serve as a lower-emission fuel option for shipping and industry, supporting long-term energy transition planning. The demonstration will provide data on production costs, logistics and integration with renewable feedstock, which will inform potential scale-up decisions. Stakeholders are expected to monitor performance metrics closely.

Deendayal Port Authority will oversee the site works and coordinate with regulatory bodies and commercial partners to advance the project to detailed engineering stages. The announcement indicated that further technical and commercial details will be released as the preparatory phase concludes. Observers noted that successful demonstration could catalyse further investments in e-fuels and support India’s clean energy objectives. The port envisages the facility as a step towards integrating novel fuel technologies into its industrial ecosystem.