Assam-Gujarat green energy partnership: Foundation stone laid for e-methanol plant in Kutch
Kutch, Sep 26 (PTI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a 150 tonnes per day e-methanol plant at Gandhidham in Kutch in the western state.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony for the plant, being developed as a joint venture between Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, and Assam Petro-Chemicals Limited at a cost of Rs 2,300 crore, was held at DPA Exhibition Ground in Gandhidham.
"Gujarat is providing leadership to the country in the fields of solar, green hydrogen and battery storage. India is emerging strongly as a global leader in the field of green energy. Through Gujarat, Assam is getting an opportunity to become a partner in the development of the country," an official release quoted Sarma as saying.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2021 Glasgow COP26 Summit target of achieving net-zero by 2070, the Assam CM said, under the PM's guidance, a new momentum has begun in India to reduce the use of fossil fuels and move towards green energy.
"Gujarat has today become an excellent example of how a state can effectively contribute to the development of the country. Inspired by the Gujarat model, the Assam government is implementing it across several projects," the release quoted Sarma as saying.
Patel said the project would give a new direction to India's green energy transition and green shipping, adding that it combines Gujarat's maritime strength with Assam's industrial capacity.
It reflects the Prime Minister's vision of 'Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat', the Gujarat CM asserted.
Under the leadership of Modi, India is rapidly moving towards new energy systems such as green hydrogen, green methanol and green shipping, he said.
"Deendayal Port at Kandla is an important maritime gateway not only for Gujarat but also for the country. Work is underway to develop Deendayal Port as a green hydrogen hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. A complete ecosystem is being developed at Kandla for the production, storage, handling and transportation of green hydrogen and its derivatives," Patel said.
The e-methanol project of Assam Petro-Chemicals will become an important link in this ecosystem, he added.
The significance of the project lies not merely in its investment but also in the environmental commitment behind it, Patel pointed out.
The project reflects the vision of moving towards net-zero emissions by 2070 under the 'Panchamrit' commitments of the Prime Minister, Patel said.
The country's first hydrogen-powered train is now operational, and the country's first LNG train will be flagged off from Sabarmati by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, Patel said.
Under Modi's leadership, this will be a concrete step by Indian Railways towards clean and green energy, he added.
"A major share of India's trade takes place through sea routes, making the decarbonisation of ports and shipping important for achieving climate goals. With production of green methanol and establishment of bunkering facilities at Kandla, important infrastructure will be created to make cleaner marine fuel available to ships," Patel said.
The e-methanol project strengthens the PM's vision and demonstrates that economic growth and environmental responsibility are complementary to each other, he said.
Through the Mission LiFE concept, the Prime Minister has also connected environmental responsibility with people's daily lifestyles and collective efforts, he said, adding the project at Kandla is aligned with the broader vision of Mission LiFE.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and state ministers were present at the event.
