Energy is necessary for any discussion about the future, sustainability, growth, or development to be comprehensive. It affects development everywhere, from the individual to the national level. India is working to ensure that everyone has access to sustainable, fair, quiet, and inclusive energy as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

As the India strives for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, Methanol—an alcohol with versatile applications—emerges as a promising biofuel. Methanol, often derived from fossil fuels, can also be produced from renewable sources like biomass. This explores the potential of using bamboo for methanol production, its environmental benefits, and the growing global and national scenario behind this biofuel.

The Promise of Biomass-Based Methanol

Biomass-derived methanol offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based production. Biomass, particularly bamboo, provides a renewable feedstock that can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with methanol production. The thermochemical conversion process for biomass involves gasifying the biomass to produce syngas—a mixture of CO, H₂, and CO₂—which is then converted into methanol.

Methanol (CH₃OH), known for its various industrial applications, including as a fuel, solvent, and feedstock for other chemicals, is a colourless, flammable liquid with a distinctive odour. As the simplest alcohol, methanol is miscible with water and many organic compounds. Its lower heating value of 19.7 MJ/kg and high-octane rating exceeding 110 make it a valuable alternative to traditional fuels. However, current methanol production contributes around 0.3 gigatonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, and if the growth trend continues, emissions could rise significantly. This makes the quest for cleaner production methods crucial.

Bamboo as Sustainable Biofuel

Bamboo is a substantial crop grown in India. India is the second-largest producer of Bamboo in the world. Annual production of Bamboo is estimated at around 3.23 million tons. Bamboo, a prolific grass native to North-East India, presents a compelling option for biomass feedstock. With around 90 million tonnes available in this region, bamboo makes up approximately 65% of India’s total bamboo reserves. Its high lignin content (29-46%) enhances its suitability for biofuel production, yielding a higher heating value (HHV) when processed.

Utilizing bamboo for methanol production not only taps into a local and abundant resource but also provides an opportunity to co-fire bamboo with coal, reducing the coal requirement by up to 30%. This approach has proven economically viable and environmentally friendly.

Globally, methanol is gaining traction as a fuel. In China, it accounts for nearly 9% of transport fuel, and the country produces 65% of the world’s methanol, primarily from coal. Other nations, such as Israel, Italy, and Sweden, are also adopting methanol-based fuels. Large passenger ships are already running on 100% methanol, showcasing its viability in various sectors.

In India, methanol production is set to expand significantly. With an existing capacity of 2 million tonnes per annum, India aims to produce 20 million tonnes of methanol annually by 2025 using coal, gas, and biomass. The NITI Aayog’s roadmap includes substituting 10% of crude oil imports with methanol by 2030, potentially saving billions of rupees annually and addressing urban pollution.

The Future of Bamboo-Based Methanol Production

A forward-thinking enterprise that makes use of the resources available in the region to manufacture sustainable biofuel may be found in North-East India. Establishment of such production plant will contribute to energy security, waste management, and economic development in the region. By focusing on bamboo, a renewable and abundant resource, the project aligns with global and national goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy independence.

The green methanol market is projected to experience significant growth, expanding from USD 1.9 billion in 2024 to USD 11.1 billion by 2030. This growth represents a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.8%. This forecast is detailed in the report titled “Green Methanol Market by Feedstock (Biomass, Green Hydrogen, CCS), Derivative (Formaldehyde, Dimethyl Ether & Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether, Petrol, Methanol-to-Olefin, Solvents), Application (Chemical Feedstock, Fuel), Location – Global Forecasts to 2030.”

As technological advancements continue and supportive policies emerge, methanol—especially when produced from biomass like bamboo—could play a significant role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The benefits of such a project extend beyond environmental impact, offering economic and social advantages that can help shape a sustainable future.