Why in the News?

In the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas provided details about the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN scheme.

About Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana:

• The scheme was officially notified in March 2019.
• Its main objective is to extend financial support to integrated bio-ethanol projects, facilitating the establishment of Second Generation (2G) ethanol projects using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstocks.
• It has a financial outlay of Rs. 1969.50 crore, spanning the period from 2018-19 to 2023-24.
• Financial assistance of Rs. 150 crore is offered per project for commercial projects, while demonstration projects receive Rs. 15 crore per project.
• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas serves as the nodal ministry for this scheme.

What is Lignocellulosic Biomass?

• Abundant Source: It is found in agricultural and forestry residues, as well as dedicated energy crops.
• Biofuels and Bio-based Products: Lignocellulosic biomass holds promise as a sustainable feedstock for producing biofuels like second-generation ethanol and various bio-based products.
• Challenges: Efficiently breaking down its complex structure to release sugars for fermentation or chemical conversion is a key challenge.
• Innovative Technologies: Researchers are exploring enzymatic hydrolysis and thermochemical treatments to unlock its energy potential.
• Green and Sustainable Future: Utilizing lignocellulosic biomass can reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and mitigate environmental impacts linked to conventional energy production.