Hyderabad – In a groundbreaking initiative, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) is set to achieve a major milestone in India’s journey toward sustainable industrial practices. By December 31, the company plans to complete the country’s first pilot project for producing methanol from carbon dioxide emissions at its thermal power plant. This revolutionary project not only addresses carbon emissions but also opens a new chapter in methanol production—a critical industrial resource.
Breathing New Life into Emissions
Methanol is a versatile compound widely used in industries ranging from fertilizers and plastics to textiles and paints. However, India imports about 80 million tons annually to meet its domestic demand of 120 million tons, underscoring a pressing need for local production capabilities. SCCL’s initiative promises a dual advantage: reducing emissions while boosting methanol output domestically.
At the heart of this innovation lies a novel process: capturing 500 kg of CO₂ daily from emissions produced during coal combustion, compressing it with hydrogen gas, and converting it into 180 kg of liquid methanol. This process is enhanced by state-of-the-art Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs), which ensure that up to 99.9% of emissions are captured before they can escape into the atmosphere.
“This project not only prevents harmful carbon emissions but transforms them into a valuable resource,” SCCL CMD N. Balaram stated. “It exemplifies our commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation.”
Construction in Full Swing
The pilot plant is taking shape alongside the thermal power plant chimney at the Singareni Thermal Power Plant. Significant progress has already been made, with civil construction completed and equipment installation underway. Key components, including a CO₂ capture unit, hydrogen generation system, compression machinery, and methanol distillation setup, are being installed. Some equipment has arrived on-site, while the remaining parts are expected by month’s end.
The Rs. 20-crore project represents a collaborative effort, with SCCL spearheading the initiative and receiving technical expertise from CMPDI, a Coal India subsidiary. The Bengaluru-based Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, in collaboration with Breathe Applied Sciences Private Limited, is managing the design and construction.
A Blueprint for the Future
While the pilot project aims to produce 180 kg of methanol per day, its success could trigger a much larger venture. SCCL envisions scaling up production to meet a substantial portion of India’s methanol demand. This could drastically reduce dependence on imports, saving foreign exchange and strengthening India’s industrial base.
Methanol’s versatility makes it a key ingredient in products such as acrylic plastics, synthetic fibers, plywood, and paints, in addition to its use as a fuel and chemical feedstock. A domestic supply of methanol could bolster multiple industries, creating opportunities for economic growth and job creation.
Environmental and Economic Significance
This innovative project exemplifies how industries can tackle environmental challenges while driving economic benefits. By capturing and utilizing carbon emissions, SCCL’s initiative aligns with global efforts to combat climate change through carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies.
CMD N. Balaram highlighted the project’s potential:
“This initiative is a win-win for the environment and the economy. If successful, we plan to establish a large-scale methanol plant to serve India’s growing industrial needs. This could be a turning point in reducing imports and achieving energy security.”
Countdown to Completion
As the December 31 deadline approaches, Singareni’s team is working at full pace to ensure the project’s timely completion. With civil structures in place and equipment arriving, the plant is on track to become operational soon after securing the necessary permissions from state authorities.
By transforming CO₂ into methanol, Singareni is setting a new benchmark in sustainable industrial practices. The project reflects India’s potential to lead the way in innovative technologies that marry environmental stewardship with industrial growth.
This pilot plant is not just an experiment but a symbol of progress—a step toward a cleaner, self-reliant, and prosperous future for the country.
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