Foundation Laid for Green E-Methanol Plant in Gujarat
Foundation Stone Ceremony for E-Methanol Plant
(From left) Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and Assam CM Sarma before the foundation-laying ceremony. (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, Sept 26: On Saturday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the foundation for a green e-methanol plant with a capacity of 150 tonnes per day at Kandla Port in Gujarat.
During his speech, Sarma emphasized Assam's longstanding expertise in methanol production, which spans nearly fifty years, and expressed confidence in the project's success.
“When Sarbananda Sonowal proposed that the methanol plant at Kandla Port and Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited should be involved, we readily agreed. We are committed to this project and will ensure its success,” Sarma stated.
Sarma noted that the Kandla initiative would play a crucial role in producing green fuel for maritime vessels.
“This marks a significant milestone for our nation. The project we are launching today will expand in the future and provide green fuel for our ships. I anticipate its completion within three years,” he added.
Highlighting India's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, Sarma referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pledge made at the COP26 summit in Glasgow in 2021.
“The Prime Minister's announcement in 2021 regarding India's goal of net-zero emissions by 2070 signifies a shift away from fossil fuels, with our daily energy needs being met through natural sources. This has sparked a green fuel movement across the country,” Sarma remarked.
He further explained that the Kandla project aligns with the government's initiative to promote green fuel in the maritime industry.
“The Prime Minister envisioned the use of green fuel in our ships, and today, that vision is being realized at Kandla Port with the laying of the foundation for this e-methanol plant,” he stated.
Discussing Assam's role in this Gujarat project, Sarma highlighted the state's historical contributions to the energy sector.
“Assam has played a pivotal role in the energy sector. It was the first state to discover petrol in 1867, and the first oil refinery was established here in 1901. Today, Assam continues to significantly contribute to the nation's oil and natural gas supply,” he noted.
The establishment of the plant follows a memorandum of understanding signed between Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited (APL) and the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in January 2026.
According to the agreement, DPA will provide the necessary land and port infrastructure, while APL will set up the green methanol production facility.
The project entails a joint investment exceeding Rs 1,200 crore and is projected to create approximately 3,500 direct and indirect jobs.
Sarma previously mentioned that the initiative would offer employment to nearly 3,000 young individuals and represent a significant achievement for Assam's public sector enterprises.
On Saturday, he also highlighted APL's proficiency in methanol production.
“Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited has the capability to produce 500 tonnes of methanol daily,” he concluded.