Pralhad Joshi Inaugurates Pellet Plant, Lays Foundation of Bio-Ethanol Facility in Haryana

In a major step towards sustainable energy and environmental conservation, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, inaugurated a biomass pellet plant and laid the foundation stone for a bio-ethanol plant in Rewari district, Haryana. These twin developments mark a leap forward in India’s push to achieve its Net Zero 2070 target and realise the goals of the E20 Mission. The plants aim to utilise agricultural residue—once seen as waste—into a valuable clean energy resource, offering dual benefits of environmental protection and rural income generation.

Pellet Plant: Turning Stubble into Power

The newly inaugurated pellet plant in Rewari will produce 240 tonnes of biomass pellets per day, using crop residue such as,

• Paddy straw
• Mustard straw
• Cotton stalks

These pellets will be used for co-firing in thermal power plants, replacing coal and helping reduce carbon emissions significantly. This also aligns with the mandatory co-firing policy by the Government of India for thermal plants to adopt biomass and municipal solid waste (MSW) as part of their fuel mix.

Key Benefits

• Reduces stubble burning and air pollution
• Generates rural employment
• Creates income for farmers from crop residue
• Supports India’s renewable energy mix

Bio-Ethanol Plant: Fueling India’s E20 Mission

Alongside the pellet facility, the foundation stone was laid for the K2 Bio-Ethanol plant, which will convert similar agricultural residues into bio-ethanol, a cleaner alternative fuel.

This supports India’s E20 Mission, which targets blending 20% ethanol in petrol by 2025. Ethanol from crop waste reduces dependency on fossil fuels and cuts emissions from the transport sector.

Highlights of the Bio-Ethanol Plant,

• Converts stubble into ethanol for fuel blending
• Helps India reduce oil imports and carbon footprint
• Promotes clean rural industries
• Adds to farmer income while solving environmental challenges

Government’s Policy Support and Green Mandates

Speaking at the event, Minister Pralhad Joshi underscored that earlier crop residue was seen as a burden—leading to stubble burning and toxic air. Now, under proactive policies, this residue is being turned into biofuels and energy pellets, generating both economic and ecological value.

He also mentioned,

• Mandatory biomass co-firing in thermal power plants under the new energy policy
• Government commitment to rural energy infrastructure in Haryana and beyond
• India’s dual focus on infrastructure growth and environmental protection

Haryana’s Clean Energy Landscape Expands

This initiative is a part of Haryana’s broader transformation towards green infrastructure and sustainable energy sources. With biofuel and pellet plants being set up in agro-rich regions like Rewari, the state is poised to become a hub for,

• Renewable fuel innovation
• Decentralised energy generation
• Rural industrial growth

The project aligns with India’s vision to balance development with sustainability and empower farmers as energy providers.

Static Facts

• Location: Rewari, Haryana
• Minister Involved: Pralhad Joshi (Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy)
• Pellet Plant Output: 240 tonnes/day
• Raw Material: Paddy straw, mustard straw, cotton stalks
• End Use: Thermal power plant co-firing
• Bio-Ethanol Plant: Foundation stone laid for K2 facility
• Target Mission: E20 (20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025)