DECEMBER 20248NHPC LOOKING FOR LUCRATIVE WAYS TO DESILT HYDEL PLANTSBCL INDUSTRIES TO SETUP ETHANOL MANUFACTURING UNIT IN WEST BENGALNHPC announced a partnership with BEML to jointly explore opportunities for the development of desilting and dredging solutions for hydropower plants.NHPC said in a statement that the solutions would also help mitigate urban waterlogging during monsoons by swiftly clearing canals and culverts and supporting Renewable energy player BCL Industries on Wednesday said it is investing Rs 150 crore in a bio-energy plant in West Bengal. The company has also received environment clearance for its 75 KLPD (kilo liters per day) plant in Kharagpur.TOP STORIESAdditionally, the work on a similar project with 75 KLPD capacity in Bathinda, Punjab is in full swing. It said both projects are expected to be completed within 18-24 months. In India, ethanol production is a key part of promoting bioenergy and biofuels, contributing to the adoption of environmentally friendly energy sources. Ethanol is a renewable fuel that is blended with petrol for use in vehicles, helping reduce carbon emissions. It is produced using biomass, such as agri waste.In October, BCL Industries announced plans to invest Rs 350 crore to set up a biogas plant and a distillery in Haryana. The company is making efforts to scale up its green initiatives and will set up a biogas plant of around 20 MTPD (Metric Tonne Per Day) capacity in Fatehabad. dredging and desilting operations in inland waterways, coastal areas, ponds, and lakes.NHPC and BEML have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish strategic cooperation in the development of advanced desilting and dredging solutions tailored for hydroelectric plants, the company said.NHPC said that upon successful implementation in pilot projects, the solutions are expected to be replicated across other hydropower plants, further strengthening India's renewable energy infrastructure.NHPC chairman and managing director R K Chaudhary said, "Together, we aim to enhance power generation efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and support India's ambitious renewable energy objectives. This partnership will not only benefit the power sector but also create a positive impact on the environment and local communities."BEML CMD Shantanu Roy stated: "By leveraging our collective strengths, we aim to develop advanced desilting and dredging solutions that not only enhance the efficiency of hydroelectric power plants but also contribute to the nation's broader goals of improving infrastructure and water management systems".
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