India, 8^th November 2016 (GPN) : In early October 2016, according to NASA Earth Observatory (http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/) it’s satellites began to detect small fires in Punjab, and the number of fires increased rapidly in the following weeks. By November, thousands of fires burned across the state, and a thick pall of smoke hovered over India. According to NASA, a staggering amount of 32 million tonnes of agriculture residue were burned in Punjab adversely affecting the air quality.

Since the fires are small, short-lived, and burn at relatively low-temperatures, the smoke generally stays near the surface. On November 2, winds carried a stream of smoke—likely mixed with small particles of soil, dust, and partially burned plant material—toward New Delhi, pushing the levels of particulate matter in the capital city to unusually high levels. The worsening situation can be gauged by the fact that the Delhi Government has announced 3-days shut down of schools across the city-State.

Praj Industries has developed a long term solution to the farmer’s challenge of disposing off ligno cellulosic waste – agri residue in this case – and turning it into 2^ndGeneration “Bio” Ethanol. This is an efficient technology of converting agri waste into fuel grade ethanol and a permanent solution to an age old agri residue burning.

Praj Industries is working with a leading Equipment Manufacturer to handle the collection and baling of biomass for downstream production of 2G Ethanol. Further, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Indian Oil), India’s flagship national oil company, has selected Praj as technology partner for setting up multiple 2G bio-ethanol plants based on their indigenously developed technology. Indian Oil will be setting up three such 2G bio-ethanol plants, out of which, one plant is expected to be in the state of Haryana. Praj is also in the advanced stage of discussion with another project developer to set up a bio-ethanol plant in Punjab.

Mr. Pramod Chaudhari, Executive Chairman of Praj Industries, said: “Praj is committed to deliver sustainable and clean energy solutions and with the use of our 2G bio-ethanol technology; we can reduce Smog levels as well as pollution arising from burning of agri residue to a great extent. Besides, the collection of agriculture waste will create employment for thousands of rural people, which in itself will help create a ‘sustainable’ revenue model for the farmers, rural people and the ethanol manufacturers. 2^nd Generation Ethanol Technology will support in achieving 10% blending of Ethanol with Petrol and thereby reducing the Oil import bill. And more importantly, reduce smog formation in future and ensure clean air for our citizens”.