"Assam Petro-Chemicals has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Deendayal Port Authority to establish an e-Methanol plant at Kandla Port."

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Assam Petrochemicals Limited (APL) and the Deendayal Port Authority to establish a state-of-the-art e-methanol project at Kandla Port in Gujarat. The ceremony took place at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Dibrugarh.

Speaking at the event, CM Sarma described the project as a historic milestone in Assam’s industrial journey and a strong example of the state contributing to nationally significant initiatives beyond its geographical borders. He said the MoU reflects Assam’s potential to support India’s long-term economic and environmental priorities, including the government’s zero-carbon emission targets.

E-methanol, regarded as a key green fuel for reducing carbon emissions in the shipping sector, will allow Assam to directly contribute to India’s net-zero goals. The Chief Minister highlighted that Assam Petrochemicals, which has a five-decade legacy of producing methanol from natural gas, is now moving toward carbon-neutral biofuels. He also cited ongoing ethanol production from bamboo at Numaligarh Refinery as part of Assam’s green energy initiatives.

CM Sarma stressed that industrialisation in Assam must remain environmentally sustainable, preserving the state’s rich biodiversity. He termed the e-methanol project a product of this eco-conscious vision and said it would strengthen Assam’s position as a confident partner in India’s economic growth. Referring to Assam as the “economic gateway” to the North-East, he cited projects like the Tata semiconductor unit as examples of new opportunities for the youth of Assam and neighbouring states.

Highlighting Assam’s natural resources, particularly bamboo, the Chief Minister said the project will enhance ethanol production and facilitate efficient transportation through maritime routes. He noted that integrating the Brahmaputra waterway with Kandla Port could significantly reduce logistics costs and make Assam-made products more competitive in domestic and global markets.

The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of skilling Assam’s youth to operate advanced industries such as e-methanol and semiconductors, ensuring employment as both workers and technical experts. He added that the project would create a strong industrial link between eastern India and the western coast, strengthening the country’s maritime economy.