November 21, 2024 [Chem Analyst]- In a groundbreaking initiative, India is set to get its first methanol production plant in Mancherial district in the Indian state of Telangana. Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) will establish this facility near its Thermal Power Station in Pegadapalli. The plant will harness carbon dioxide emissions to produce 180 kg of methanol daily from 500 kg of captured carbon dioxide.
The construction of the plant, overseen by SCCL, is nearing completion and is expected to be fully operational by the end of next month. An official launch ceremony is planned shortly thereafter.
This pioneering project leverages carbon capture technology to capture carbon dioxide emitted by thermal power plants. The captured carbon dioxide is then combined with hydrogen to synthesize methanol, a versatile liquid with applications across various industries. By transforming harmful emissions into a valuable industrial chemical, SCCL is setting a new standard for sustainable industrial practices.
The project is a collaborative effort between SCCL, Bengaluru-based Breath Applied Sciences Pvt Ltd, and Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research. It is funded by Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL), a research wing of Coal India. The thermal power station’s existing electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) will capture 500 kg of carbon dioxide daily, which will serve as the primary feedstock for the methanol plant.
Methanol is a critical raw material for industries such as fertilizers, acrylic plastics, synthetic fibers, textiles, plywood, and paints. India currently imports approximately 80 million tons of methanol annually to meet its domestic demand of 120 million tons. SCCL’s successful methanol production could significantly reduce this import dependency, benefiting both the company and the nation’s economy.
As SCCL’s CMD Balaram stated, “Methanol is widely used in the manufacture of fertilizers, acrylic plastic, synthetic, fiber textiles, plywood, and paints. The Singareni company is likely to sell methanol to various industries. Out of the 120 million tons of methanol used for domestic needs, around 80 million tons are currently being imported from other countries. If this project is domestically successful, there are chances of financial benefit not only for the organization but also for the country.”
If the pilot project proves successful, Coal India aims to scale up methanol production, contributing significantly to India’s energy transition and industrial sustainability. This innovative venture holds the promise of reducing carbon footprints, promoting circular economy practices, and positioning India as a global leader in sustainable industrial development.
By transforming emissions into valuable resources, Singareni Collieries is setting a new benchmark for sustainable industrial practices and paving the way for a greener future.
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