Important for:

UPSC, Haryana HCS, Punjab PCS
Prelims: Green methanol, invasive species, biofuels
Mains: GS Paper 3 — Environment, Energy, Sustainable Development

Why in News?

India is setting up its first green methanol production plant using an invasive species (Prosopis juliflora) to produce eco-friendly fuel for the shipping sector.

What is Green Methanol?

➤ A cleaner alternative fuel produced from:

• Biomass
• Agricultural waste

➤ Used in:

• Shipping industry (marine fuel)

What is the Problem with Prosopis juliflora?

• Invasive plant species
• Spreads rapidly
• Destroys native grasslands
• Threatens biodiversity

How Does the Plant Work?

Process:

1. Biomass collection (Prosopis juliflora)
2. Gasification
3. Conversion into methanol

Environmental Benefits

1. Reduced Emissions

• CO₂ reduced up to:
  → 95%
• NOx reduced up to:
  → 80%

2. Pollution Reduction

• Eliminates:
  • Sulphur oxides
  • Particulate matter

3. Biodiversity Protection

• Controls invasive species

Economic & Strategic Importance

• Supports:
  • Green shipping
  • Energy transition
• Reduces:
  → Oil imports

India-Specific Significance

• Aligns with:
  • Clean energy goals
  • Sustainable development
• Promotes:
  →Circular economy

Key Insight for UPSC

➤ Environmental problems can be turned into:

✔ Economic opportunities

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Green methanol is:

A. Fossil fuel
B. Renewable fuel
C. Nuclear fuel
D. Coal

✅ Answer: B

Q2. Prosopis juliflora is:

A. Native plant
B. Invasive species
C. Animal
D. Mineral

✅ Answer: B

Q3. Methanol is used in:

A. Agriculture
B. Shipping fuel
C. Mining
D. Textile

✅ Answer: B

Q4. Gasification converts:

A. Solid biomass → gas
B. Gas → liquid
C. Liquid → solid
D. None

✅ Answer: A

Q5. Green fuels help in:

A. Increasing pollution
B. Reducing emissions
C. Increasing imports
D. Reducing biodiversity

✅ Answer: B

CBL Mains Practice Question

“Waste-to-energy technologies can address both environmental and economic challenges.”
Discuss with reference to green methanol production in India.

FAQs

1. What is green methanol?

A renewable fuel made from biomass.

2. Why is Prosopis juliflora used?

It is an invasive species causing ecological harm.

3. What are the benefits?

Reduced emissions and cleaner fuel.

4. Where is the plant located?

Kutch, Gujarat.

5. Which GS paper covers this topic?

GS Paper 3 — Environment & Economy.