A plant long regarded as one of the world’s “top 100 invasive species” could soon power India’s green shipping ambitions. Prosopis juliflora, a hardy shrub that has choked biodiversity across Kutch’s Banni grasslands for decades, is set to become the primary feedstock for India’s first green methanol production plant. Known locally as gando baval in Gujarat, vilayati keekar in North India, and velikathan in Tamil Nadu, the Mexican-origin species has spread aggressively, displacing native grasses across vast stretches of land. Now, instead of being a persistent ecological threat, it may serve as a valuable resource in the country’s clean energy transition.
India’s First Green Methanol Plant at Kandla
In a strategic shift, the invasive biomass will now fuel India’s first green methanol facility at the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla. The plant, currently under development, will produce around five tonnes of methanol per day and aims to supply cleaner fuel for ocean-going vessels. The project is being executed by Pune-based Thermax Energy, in collaboration with Ankur Scientific, which is providing advanced gasification technology. Once operational, the port authority will own and operate the facility. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision to transform ports along the western coast into “green ports,” thereby accelerating the adoption of sustainable marine fuels.
Why Green Methanol Matters for Shipping
Methanol is already used in the shipping industry as a cleaner alternative to conventional bunker fuel. However, traditional methanol production relies on fossil fuels such as natural gas or coal. In contrast, green methanol uses renewable biomass—like Prosopis juliflora—as its source material. The shift significantly reduces environmental impact. According to the Methanol Institute, green methanol can cut carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by up to 95% and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 80%, while eliminating sulphur oxides and particulate emissions altogether.
Technology Behind the Transformation
The production process involves two key stages—gasification and methanol synthesis. Ankur Jain, who leads Ankur Scientific, explains that gasification plays a critical role in converting biomass into syngas, a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). “Gasification sits between combustion and pyrolysis,” he noted, highlighting how the process breaks down biomass in a low-oxygen environment to generate high-quality syngas. This intermediate product then moves to the second stage, where Thermax converts it into methanol. Notably, once initiated, the gasification reaction becomes self-sustaining. It requires only a small amount of external fuel—about 10–15 litres of oil for a short startup period. However, the plant still depends on grid electricity for operational components such as motors and pumps.
The Push for Truly Green Operations
While the project marks a major step forward, achieving full sustainability will require further improvements. As Jain pointed out, the carbon footprint of the plant can only be minimized if its electricity supply also comes from renewable sources. Therefore, future iterations may integrate renewable energy systems or on-site power generation to meet stricter international carbon-intensity standards, particularly those emerging under global maritime regulations.
From Environmental Burden to Energy Asset
The initiative represents a compelling example of circular economy thinking—transforming an ecological problem into a clean energy solution. By leveraging an invasive species to produce green methanol, India is not only addressing biodiversity concerns but also advancing its decarbonization goals in the maritime sector. As reported by thehindu.com, as the Kandla project takes shape, it signals a broader shift in how the country approaches both waste biomass and sustainable fuel production—turning challenges into opportunities for a greener future.
