Team Goemkarponn
SANKHALI: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant laid the foundation stone for a 300 KLPD grain-based ethanol plant of Centreal Biofuels Limited at the Navelim Industrial Area.
The plant, a significant milestone in Goa’s clean energy journey, is set to play a crucial role in the Government of India’s Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) aimed at promoting cleaner fuels and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Minister highlighted the project’s multifaceted benefits for the state.
“This ethanol plant is not just an investment in energy,” said Dr. Sawant, “but also an investment in employment, agriculture, rural development, and sustainability.”
The upcoming facility will supply ethanol to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) as part of the national EBP initiative.
In addition to supporting India’s transition to greener fuels, the plant is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities for local residents.
Importantly, the plant will *procure grains directly from local farmers, providing them with a reliable market and enhancing their income.
This direct linkage with agriculture is expected to give a major boost to the rural economy in Goa.
In line with sustainable industrial practices, the project has been designed as a zero-waste initiative.
By-products such as distillers grains will be reused as nutritious animal feed, reinforcing Central Biofuels’ commitment to environmentally responsible operations.
“I commend Centreal Biofuels for playing a proactive role in Goa’s socio-economic development through industrial investment, job creation, rural upliftment, and environmental stewardship,” the Chief Minister added.
The ethanol plant is poised to become a model for future green industrial projects in the state, aligning with Goa’s vision for sustainable and inclusive growth.
