Why in the News
India is set to establish its first green methanol plant at Kandla using the invasive plant Prosopis juliflora as feedstock. The project aims to produce clean marine fuel and support India’s transition to green shipping.
About Prosopis juliflora
- A Mexican-origin invasive species
- Known locally as:
- Vilayati Keekar (North India)
- Gando Baval (Gujarat)
- Introduced in India:
- 1920s by British
- Later in 1961 in Gujarat to check desertification
- Problem:
- Replaces native grasses
- Harms biodiversity in Banni grasslands (Kutch)
About Green Methanol
- Methanol produced using renewable biomass instead of fossil fuels
- Used as marine fuel replacing bunker oil
- Helps reduce emissions significantly
Key Features of the Project
- Location: Deendayal Port Authority
- Production capacity: 5 tonnes per day
- Developed by: Thermax and Ankur Scientific
- Feedstock:
- Prosopis juliflora
- Other biomass like bagasse and cotton stalk
| [2018] Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in news? (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics. (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows. (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides. (d) None of the above. |
