Goa Chief Minister lays foundation stone of 300-KLPD ethanol plant

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has laid the foundation stone for a 300 KLPD (kilolitres per day) grain-based ethanol plant at the Navelim Industrial Area in Bicholim taluka. The project, being developed by Centreal Biofuels Limited, marks a significant step towards eco-friendly industrial development in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, CM Sawant emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable development, employment generation, and environmental responsibility. This ethanol plant will provide direct and indirect employment to nearly 200 people, with a special focus on empowering women through job opportunities.

The Chief Minister highlighted the plant as a pollution-free and eco-friendly initiative that aligns with the state’s broader vision of a “Greener Goa, Stronger Goa, and Smarter Goa.” He noted that the project will not only contribute to clean fuel production but will also support the local agricultural sector by sourcing grains directly from local farmers, thereby boosting rural incomes.

Sawant further stated that the ethanol facility will operate as a zero-waste initiative. “The by-products, including distillers grains, will be repurposed as nutritious cattle feed, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible industrial practices,” he explained.

He called on the local community to actively support the project to ensure its successful implementation and long-term benefits for the region.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by Navelim Sarpanch Rohidas Kansekal, Deputy Sarpanch Kalpana Gavas, Panchayat Member Gopal Surlkar, and Centreal Biofuels Limited Managing Director Joby George, among others.

Commending Centreal Biofuels Limited, the Chief Minister lauded the company’s role in promoting socio-economic development through industrial investment, rural upliftment, employment generation, and environmental stewardship.

The ethanol production is still at the nascent stage in the coastal state. Last year, Chief Minister Sawant announced that his government had initiated a bidding process for the redevelopment of the Sanjivani Sugar factory that would include the construction of an Ethanol production plant through a public-private partnership (PPP).