Ethanol projects: IOCL, HPCL get Odisha govt nod

Hyderabad TO enhance the industrial growth and provide an aid by mixing fuel-grade ethanol with petrol, the 102nd meeting of the Odisha State level single window clearance authority (SLSWCA) has recently approved seven industrial projects including three grain-based ethanol plants to the tune of Rs 2,083.88 crore. As many as 2,144 persons in that State are expected to be employed by these projects.

The projects include a 500 KLPD grain-based ethanol plant and 8MW co-gen power plant by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd against an investment of Rs 870 crore to be set up in Balgopalpur industrial estate, Balasore, which will generate potential employment opportunities for over 194 persons. A 500 KLPD grain-based ethanol plant (in two phases) by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited against an investment of Rs 500 crore to be set up at Umerkote, Nabarangpur district, which will generate employment for over 240 persons. A 100 KLPD grain-based ethanol plant along with compressed biogas (CBG) plant of 12 TPD capacity and 2.20 MW co-gen power plant by Newalt Energy Private Limited against an investment of Rs 125 crore to be set up at Nuakheta, Bantala in Angul district, which will create opportunities for over 650 persons.

A multi-modal logistics park by International Cargo Terminals and Infrastructure Private Limited against an investment of Rs 150 crore to be set up at Kujang in Jagatsinghpur generating employment for over 100 persons. An 18.75 MW solar power plant by Aditya Birla Renewables Limited against an investment of Rs 89.44 crore to be set up at Saintala, in Balangir district, which is likely to provide employment to over 28 persons.

Recently, the Centre has fixed a target of 10 per cent blending of fuel-grade ethanol with petrol by 2022 and 20 per cent blending by 2025.