CAQM Assess HPCl's Bathinda Bio-Refinery for Ethanol Production

03 Nov 2023 CW Team

The CAQM team, in collaboration with experts from the renewable energy sector, is evaluating the bio-refinery's infrastructure, technology, and processes for ethanol production. This review will assess critical parameters like feedstock availability, compatibility, storage, transportation, and processing methods to ensure the facility adheres to environmental standards.

The Bathinda Bio-Refinery, situated in Punjab, is strategically located near farms, ensuring a steady supply of agro-based biomass. By capitalizing on this advantageous location, HPCL aims to produce ethanol as fuel, which is an essential step towards reducing the country's dependence on imported crude oil.

Ethanol production from renewable sources plays a vital role in India's goal of increasing the share of biofuels in the energy mix. The government has set a target of achieving 20% ethanol blending with petrol by 2025. To support this objective, HPCL's bio-refinery in Bathinda aims to produce approximately 300 kiloliters of ethanol on a daily basis.

The review process followed by CAQM includes a thorough examination of the plant's emissions, waste management systems, and adherence to emission standards. The team is also assessing the overall environmental impact of the facility and its compliance with air quality regulations.

The advancement in bio-refining and ethanol production can bring numerous benefits to the region, such as employment opportunities, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased agricultural revenue. Additionally, it will contribute to HPCL's vision of sustainability and align with the country's commitment to clean energy transition.

The CAQM's review will prove instrumental in ensuring that the Bathinda Bio-Refinery operates at optimum efficiency while adhering to the highest environmental standards. If approved, the facility will significantly contribute to India's ethanol production capacity and promote a greener energy ecosystem.

In conclusion, HPCL's Bathinda Bio-Refinery is undergoing a comprehensive review by CAQM for its ethanol production capabilities. This assessment will play a crucial role in determining the facility's compliance with environmental regulations while promoting India's transition towards clean and sustainable energy sources.

HPCL's (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited) Bathinda Bio-Refinery, with an investment of 1400 crore rupees, is currently under review by the Central Air Quality Monitoring (CAQM) team for its ethanol production capabilities. The project aims to leverage biomass resources, such as agricultural residues, to produce eco-friendly ethanol. The CAQM team, in collaboration with experts from the renewable energy sector, is evaluating the bio-refinery's infrastructure, technology, and processes for ethanol production. This review will assess critical parameters like feedstock availability, compatibility, storage, transportation, and processing methods to ensure the facility adheres to environmental standards. The Bathinda Bio-Refinery, situated in Punjab, is strategically located near farms, ensuring a steady supply of agro-based biomass. By capitalizing on this advantageous location, HPCL aims to produce ethanol as fuel, which is an essential step towards reducing the country's dependence on imported crude oil. Ethanol production from renewable sources plays a vital role in India's goal of increasing the share of biofuels in the energy mix. The government has set a target of achieving 20% ethanol blending with petrol by 2025. To support this objective, HPCL's bio-refinery in Bathinda aims to produce approximately 300 kiloliters of ethanol on a daily basis. The review process followed by CAQM includes a thorough examination of the plant's emissions, waste management systems, and adherence to emission standards. The team is also assessing the overall environmental impact of the facility and its compliance with air quality regulations. The advancement in bio-refining and ethanol production can bring numerous benefits to the region, such as employment opportunities, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased agricultural revenue. Additionally, it will contribute to HPCL's vision of sustainability and align with the country's commitment to clean energy transition. The CAQM's review will prove instrumental in ensuring that the Bathinda Bio-Refinery operates at optimum efficiency while adhering to the highest environmental standards. If approved, the facility will significantly contribute to India's ethanol production capacity and promote a greener energy ecosystem. In conclusion, HPCL's Bathinda Bio-Refinery is undergoing a comprehensive review by CAQM for its ethanol production capabilities. This assessment will play a crucial role in determining the facility's compliance with environmental regulations while promoting India's transition towards clean and sustainable energy sources.

Resources

03 Jun 2026

Jyoti Structures Launches Heat Safety Drive Across Sites

Jyoti Structures (JSL) has strengthened heat safety measures across its project sites and manufacturing facilities as temperatures rise across India. The company has implemented a Summer Safety Plan covering all transmission line projects to address risks related to heat stress, dehydration and worker fatigue.The initiative includes rescheduling work away from peak afternoon temperatures, provision of drinking water, ORS and lemon-salt solutions, and installation of rest shelters near work areas. Daily toolbox talks, worker health monitoring, first-aid preparedness, emergency transport arrange..

Real Estate

03 Jun 2026

MHADA Declares 82 Buildings Most Dangerous in Central and South Mumbai

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has declared 82 buildings as most dangerous across Central and South Mumbai and has appealed to residents to vacate immediately. The list, prepared after structural assessments by the authority, identifies buildings judged to pose imminent risk to occupants and to passersby. Local civic bodies have been asked to coordinate evacuations and to make arrangements for temporary shelter and rehabilitation for displaced households. Officials said the authority prioritised buildings with visible structural distress, severe cracking, tiltin..

Infrastructure Transport

03 Jun 2026

Damage Reported At Halwara Airport Terminal After First Rains

Severe damage was reported at the terminal of Halwara Airport during the first major rain spell of the season, prompting immediate concern among aviation and local authorities. Images from the site showed water ingress and visible deterioration of the terminal interior, affecting passenger areas and ancillary services. The airport authority suspended certain operations temporarily to assess structural safety and ensure passenger wellbeing. Preliminary inspections have prioritised electrical systems and roof seals to prevent further water ingress. State aviation officials ordered a formal inqui..