Munters supports world's first bamboo ethanol refinery

We are part of a pioneering project that will see the world's first full-scale ethanol refinery using bamboo. The project supports India's ambition to reduce carbon emissions from its transportation sector.

India has the ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2070. To achieve this goal, it will need to decarbonize all parts of society that are heavily dependent on imported oil (currently 80% of their oil comes from imports).

To reduce emissions in the transportation sector, the Indian government has a goal that 20% of the petrol used in cars and heavy vehicles should contain bioethanol by 2025. Today, that figure is around 9%.

Fueled by bamboo

The goal will be reached by using bamboo that grows naturally and in large quantities in northeastern India.

"Bamboo is a very sustainable way to produce ethanol," says Sujata Wuthoo, Head of Munters' Clean Technologies in India. "It grows fast and does not take land from food production."

The refinery will process 300,000 tons of bamboo each year. This will generate 60 million tons of bioethanol, 30,000 tons of biochemicals that will be used to make paints, adhesives and plastics, and green power for local use.

India plans to build 12 biorefineries across the country. This will not only make them less dependent on foreign oil but also support local farmers.

"We have been working closely with the customer for more than two years to develop efficient and sustainable solutions based on our mass transfer technology," says Wuthoo. "Biofuels are the future and we are proud to support this project."

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