India Enters New Energy Chapter With first Methanol Plant Breakthrough

India has stepped into a New Energy Chapter with a major clean fuel push as Thermax joins hands with Ankur Scientific Energy Technologies to develop the country’s first Methanol Plant at Deendayal Port.

The project marks a turning point in how India is rethinking fuel production through waste-to-energy technology.

The upcoming Methanol Plant will use biomass feedstock, including agricultural residue and invasive plants, to produce green methanol.

The process first converts waste into syngas and then refines it into methanol, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil-based fuels. Designed as a demonstration facility, the plant will have a capacity of around five tonnes per day and is expected to be operational by late 2026.

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This New Energy Chapter highlights India’s growing focus on indigenous clean fuel solutions. Instead of relying on imported energy sources, the project uses locally available waste materials, turning environmental challenges into usable fuel. The initiative also reflects a shift toward circular energy systems that reduce waste while producing sustainable fuel.

At the heart of this development is the goal of decarbonizing shipping and industrial fuel use. Methanol is gaining attention globally as a low-emission alternative for marine transport, and ports are becoming key locations for its production and supply. Deendayal Port is now positioned to play a strategic role in this emerging clean fuel ecosystem.

Beyond environmental benefits, the project also aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported methanol and strengthen domestic energy security. If successful, this pilot could pave the way for larger commercial plants and accelerate India’s transition toward cleaner industrial fuels.

"With the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways emphasizing the adoption of green fuels, we are proud to facilitate this initiative at Deendayal Port. This project is a significant step toward enabling sustainable solutions in the maritime sector, while reinforcing our commitment to future-ready, environmentally responsible port operations," said Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME Chairperson, Deendayal Port Authority(DPA).

The Methanol Plant initiative signals more than just a new facility—it reflects a broader shift in India’s energy roadmap, where innovation, sustainability, and local resources are driving the next phase of growth.

"We are proud to be part of this initiative, which highlights the potential of biomass-based technologies in producing clean fuels at scale and supporting India's transition towards sustainable energy," said Ankur Jain, Managing Director, Ankur Scientific.