GOLAGHAT, ASSAM — Numaligarh is buzzing with anticipation as the country’s first and largest bio-refinery project, a landmark initiative under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, awaits its formal inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September. The Rs 4,000 crore Assam Bio-Refinery Project, a significant expansion of the historic Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), is now fully complete, set to kick off a new era of sustainable energy.
Spread across 34 acres, the bio-refinery is a powerhouse of green innovation, designed to consume around five lakh tonnes of bamboo annually. This massive supply, sourced directly from farmers across the Northeast, will be transformed into essential products: 49,000 metric tonnes of ethanol, 19,000 metric tonnes of furfural, 11,000 metric tonnes of acetic acid, and 32,000 metric tonnes of liquid CO₂. The plant will also generate 25 MW of power for its own use, showcasing a commitment to self-sufficiency.
This project is far more than an industrial feat; it’s a catalyst for rural economic revival. Officials estimate an annual infusion of over ₹200 crore into the rural economy, directly benefiting bamboo cultivators, transporters, and suppliers. In its initial phase, the refinery will engage nearly 30,000 farmers and create livelihoods for 3,500 unemployed youth through its extensive supply chains and ancillary services.
The bio-refinery is also a strategic move to boost India’s energy security by reducing its dependence on crude oil imports. Officials highlight that this project will not only position Assam as a hub for green energy but will also play a crucial role in revitalizing the rural economy. With the inauguration on the horizon, Golaghat is set to become the epicenter of a new, green revolution for India.
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