New Delhi: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) announced on Wednesday the commissioning of its second-generation (2G) bioethanol refinery at Bargarh, Odisha. The facility marks a significant milestone in India’s renewable energy transition and supports the country’s ambitious ethanol blending targets under the E20 Ethanol Blending Programme.
Production Capacity and Feedstock
The Bargarh refinery has a production capacity of 100 kilolitres per day (KL/day) of fuel-grade bioethanol. It uses rice straw, an abundant agricultural residue, as feedstock.
Read Also: BPCL Wins CII National HR Excellence Award 2025–26 for AI-Driven HR and Employee Development
The plant utilises advanced lignocellulosic technology, combining sophisticated pretreatment and fermentation processes to efficiently convert agricultural waste into ethanol, a clean and renewable fuel.
Alignment with National Biofuels Policy
The commissioning aligns with India’s National Biofuels Policy and E20 programme, aimed at:
- Reducing dependence on fossil fuels
- Lowering carbon emissions
- Promoting circular economy models by utilising agricultural residue
By converting rice straw, often left unused or burnt in fields, into ethanol, the refinery also addresses stubble management challenges, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Environmentally Sustainable Design
The Bargarh facility is designed as a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) plant, integrating solid-liquid separation systems to maximise resource efficiency and minimise environmental impact.
This approach reflects BPCL’s commitment to sustainable industrial practices and adherence to stringent environmental norms.
Safety and Project Execution Excellence
The refinery project was completed with approximately 20 million Lost Time Accident (LTA)-free manhours, highlighting strong safety protocols, robust project management, and engineering excellence.
This milestone demonstrates BPCL’s ability to execute complex renewable energy projects while maintaining high standards of occupational safety.
Boosting India’s Renewable Energy Transition
With the commissioning of the Bargarh 2G bioethanol refinery, BPCL has:
- Strengthened its position in advanced biofuel technologies
- Contributed directly to India’s renewable energy targets
- Supported emissions reduction goals and sustainable rural development
The facility exemplifies how industrial innovation can simultaneously address energy security, environmental concerns, and economic opportunity.
About BPCL
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is a leading Indian public sector undertaking (PSU) in the energy sector, engaged in refining, marketing, and distribution of petroleum products. Known for its innovation and focus on sustainability, BPCL continues to build a skilled, empowered workforce while driving growth and efficiency across India’s energy sector.
