Binny New Re Energy Limited (BNREL), an emerging player in renewable energy, has achieved a significant milestone with the grant of Environmental Clearance (EC) from the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This clearance paves the way for BNREL to establish a 195 KLPD grain-based ethanol manufacturing plant in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu, in line with the National Biofuel Policy 2018. Additionally, the facility will feature a five-megawatt co-generation power plant, with operations expected to commence by early 2026.
In conjunction with this development, BNREL has signed a 10-Year Long-Term Offtake Agreement (LTOA) with major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) including IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL. This agreement, formalized at HPCL’s Chennai office, signifies BNREL’s commitment to supply ethanol, addressing Tamil Nadu’s deficit in ethanol production. Mohammed Abdul Salam, Executive Director & Promoter of BNREL, acknowledged the supportive role of the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, particularly through the Interest Subvention Subsidy Scheme for Greenfield Ethanol projects, which he believes will bolster industry growth significantly.
Looking ahead, BNREL plans to expand its Tuticorin plant to 900 KLPD and beyond, strategically expanding into Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Odisha. The company is also exploring diversification into other renewable energy verticals such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen. Moreover, BNREL has partnered with the ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR) in Ludhiana to enhance maize production in ethanol industry catchment areas, aiming to meet the demand for E20 fuel through increased maize cultivation.
These initiatives underscore BNREL’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and its proactive approach to leveraging partnerships and government support to drive growth and innovation in India’s renewable energy sector.