India, Finland ink clean technology pact to produce ethanol... In a bid to promote use of clean technologies and cut down the oil import bill, India on Tuesday signed an agreement with Finland to produce indigenous ethanol. State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Finnish clean technology firm Chempolis will set up a pilot project to produce ethanol, bio-chemicals and bio-coal from biomass residual matters. The agreement was inked by Finnish Minister for European Affairs Alexander Stubb and Indias Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Panabaka Lakshmi in New Delhi. We have signed an MoU with a Finnish company called Chempolis. It is for conversion of cellulose into ethanol. We have developed a technology by which all cellulose-based waste products can be converted into ethanol, ONGC chairman Sudhir Vasudeva told reporters at an event here. Since 75 per cent of Indias ethanol requirements are met through imports, there is a large requirement which is not being met by indigenous production, he added. A feasibility study will soon be carried out to assess the quantity of feedstock that is required. Finland’s Minister for European Affairs said reliability and expertise are available in his countrys stable society. The reputation for reliability and top quality offer a good springboard, he added. Finland has been repeatedly ranked at the top of international sustainable development indices, he said. The project will utilise wheat straw which is currently being burnt and not being put to productive use. Chempolis president (Asia- Pacific-America) Pasi Rousu said the project will cost around Rs. 300 crore and is expected to be commissioned in 18-24 months time. Besides, India is also looking at collaboration with clean technology firm Ripasso to convert solar energy into thermal energy. PTI adds: Besides, India is also looking at collaboration with clean technology firm Ripasso to convert solar energy into thermal energy. “There is a company called Ripasso which is converting solar energy into thermal energy. A team from Ripasso will be coming to India, and we will see if we can use this technology,” Mr. Vasudeva said. Mr. Stubb is leading a business delegation comprising representatives from different sectors such as energy, environmental technology, mining, metals, construction, information technology, health and well-being services, and finance. The visit aims at strengthening the image of Finland as an attractive investment destination, as well as to promote business opportunities of Finnish companies in India.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 14:49:22 +0000
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