EIL Powers Ahead with India's First Bamboo Biorefinery

Engineers India Limited (EIL) has successfully achieved mechanical completion of the Assam Biorefinery Project, a first-of-its-kind initiative in India to produce ethanol from bamboo and other lignocellulosic feedstocks.

Located in Numaligarh, Assam, the refinery is India’s first bamboo-based ethanol facility, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push for clean energy and sustainable fuel alternatives. The project is a joint venture between Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), Finnish clean energy leader Fortum, technology provider Chempolis Oy, and EIL as the EPC consultant.

Designed to produce 49,000 tonnes of ethanol annually, the biorefinery will utilize approximately 2.5 lakh tonnes of locally sourced bamboo, supporting local farmers and boosting the regional agro-economy. The plant employs Chempolis’ patented biorefining technology, enabling efficient conversion of biomass into biofuel.

The project is expected to generate over 500 direct and indirect employment opportunities and contribute to carbon emission reduction through increased biofuel adoption. It also aligns with the National Policy on Biofuels (2018) and supports the Government of India’s target of 20% ethanol blending with petrol by 2025, reinforcing the nation’s transition to a low-carbon, green energy future.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.