New Delhi: Engineers India Limited (EIL), a premier public sector engineering and consultancy company, has successfully completed the mechanical work for India’s first bamboo-based biorefinery at Numaligarh, Assam. The project is being executed for Assam Bio Ethanol Private Limited (ABEPL) and is a major milestone in India’s renewable energy journey.
The refinery, developed using cutting-edge technology from Finland-based Chempolis OY, is designed to produce 49,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) of bioethanol, 11,000 TPA of acetic acid, and 19,000 TPA of furfural from raw bamboo feedstock. EIL has executed the project in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) mode, taking it directly from the demonstration stage to full-scale implementation.
Pioneering Sustainable Energy Solutions
According to EIL, the completion of the mechanical work is a significant achievement in the company’s six-decade journey of supporting India’s energy and infrastructure sector. The bamboo-based biorefinery is expected to augment ethanol supply for India’s transportation sector, aligning with the Government of India’s Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), which aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions.
In addition to bioethanol, the biorefinery will produce value-added chemicals like acetic acid and furfural, which have industrial applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and the chemical sector, thereby boosting the circular economy and promoting sustainable industrial growth.
Contribution to India’s Net Zero Goals
The project supports India’s energy security objectives and contributes to the nation’s target of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070. By utilizing bamboo—a fast-growing and abundant natural resource in northeastern India—the biorefinery exemplifies innovative use of renewable feedstock for green energy production, paving the way for further biofuel initiatives across the country.
EIL’s Role in National Energy Transition
EIL has been a key player in India’s energy transition, with expertise spanning renewable energy, oil & gas, refineries, and infrastructure projects. The successful execution of India’s first bamboo-based biorefinery reinforces EIL’s commitment to sustainable industrial practices, technological innovation, and green energy development.
Future Outlook
The Numaligarh biorefinery is expected to set a benchmark for future biofuel and biorefinery projects in India. With its combination of renewable feedstock, advanced technology, and value-added chemical production, the project serves as a model for integrating sustainability with industrial growth, supporting India’s journey toward a cleaner, greener, and energy-secure future.
About Engineers India Ltd
Engineers India Limited (EIL), a Navratna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is a premier engineering consultancy and EPC company. Headquartered in New Delhi, EIL offers services in project management, design, engineering, and execution across hydrocarbons, petrochemicals, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors. With decades of expertise, EIL continues to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s industrial and energy infrastructure.
