- India is developing its first port-based e-methanol plant.
- The ₹2,300-crore project is being developed through a partnership involving Deendayal Port Authority and Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd.
- The plant will use renewable power, water and biogenic CO₂ to produce e-methanol.
- The facility is planned to produce 150 tonnes of e-methanol per day and support cleaner fuels for international shipping.
- The project is expected to strengthen India’s green-fuel infrastructure and contribute to maritime decarbonisation.
India is moving ahead with its first port-based e-methanol production facility, with a foundation stone laid for the ₹2,300-crore project. The initiative is being developed through collaboration between the Deendayal Port Authority and Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd., marking a step toward establishing green-fuel production infrastructure at an Indian port.
The proposed facility will use renewable power, water and biogenic carbon dioxide to produce e-methanol. The first phase is planned with a production capacity of 150 tonnes per day, with the project designed to support the development and use of lower-carbon fuels in the maritime sector.
The project has a direct connection with India’s maritime decarbonisation efforts, as the e-methanol produced is intended for use as a cleaner fuel for international shipping. Developing production capacity alongside port infrastructure could also support the wider adoption of alternative marine fuels and associated supply chains.
The foundation-stone ceremony involved Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, reflecting participation from both the central and state governments. The project is also expected to support the development of related green-fuel infrastructure.
Beyond e-methanol production, the project could contribute to India’s broader clean-energy transition by linking renewable power and carbon-based feedstocks with a fuel that can be used in hard-to-abate sectors such as shipping. It also creates scope for investment and development across green fuels, renewable energy, port infrastructure and related technologies.
For businesses, the project could create opportunities across green-fuel production, renewable power, carbon utilisation, port infrastructure, maritime logistics and associated engineering and supply chains. The development may also provide greater visibility for organisations evaluating alternative fuels and decarbonisation pathways for shipping and other hard-to-abate sectors.
The shift toward e-methanol production brings together energy transition, carbon management and sustainable infrastructure considerations. Cognitud’s work across these areas can support organisations assessing the sustainability implications, transition opportunities and strategic requirements associated with emerging green-fuel projects.
