India-Finland ink clean technology pact to produce Ethanol

In a first of its kind initiative to promote use of clean technologies, India and Finland today signed an agreement to produce Ethanol and reduce India's dependence on its import.
Under the initiative, state run explorer ONGC and Finnish clean technology firm Chempolis will set up a pilot project to produce ethanol, bio chemicals and bio-coal from biomass residual matters.
The agreement was inked between Finnish Minister for European Affairs Alexander Stubb and Indian Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Panabaka Lakshmi here.
"We have signed an MoU with a Finnish company called Chempolis. It is for conversion of cellulose into ethanol. We have developed a technology by which all cellulose-based waste products can be converted into ethanol," ONGC chairman Sudhir Vasudeva told reporters at an event here.

The ONGC chairman said since 75 per cent of India's ethanol requirements are met through imports, there is a large requirement of ethanol which is not being met by indigenous production.
Highlighting Finland's potential as a prominent investment destination, Stubb said, "Reliability and expertise" are available in his country's stable society. "The reputation for reliability and top quality offer a good springboard," he said.

Finland has been repeatedly ranked at the top of international sustainable development indice, he added.
The ONGC chairman, without giving a time frame for setting up the project, said a feasibility study will be carried out to assess the quantity of feedstock that is required.

Stressing on promoting a clean environment, Vasudeva said the project will utilise wheat straw which is currently being burnt and not being put to productive use.
Chempolis president (Asia-Pacific-America) Pasi Rousu said the project will cost around Rs 300 crore and is expected to be commissioned in 18-24 months time.
Besides, India is also looking at collaboration with clean technology firm Ripasso to convert solar energy into thermal energy.