2G-ETHANOL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: To boost ethanol production, the Centre proposes dedicated enzyme manufacturing, with the first plant likely to be established in Manesar, Haryana, supplying 2G bio-ethanol plants in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.

2G-Ethanol

• About: It is produced from rice-straw as opposed to the conventional method of sourcing it from molasses (sugarcane).
• Also known as: Cellulosic ethanol, "second-generation," or "advanced biofuel," is ethanol produced from a plant fiber called cellulose.

oCellulose forms the cell wall of plant cells and is a polymer made up of glucose molecules linked in a long chain, often with various chemical modifications.

• Digestibility of Cellulose: Humans and most domestic animals cannot digest cellulose, although dietary fiber, which includes cellulose, is essential for proper gut functioning.
• Utilization of Agricultural Waste: Using cellulose for ethanol production allows the inedible parts of agricultural plants, such as corn and sugarcane, to be utilized, preventing waste and increasing agricultural efficiency.
• Environmental Impact of 2G Ethanol: Cellulosic ethanol can reduce the carbon footprint of crops by up to 85% compared to first-generation (1G) ethanol, which is produced from sugar and starch.
• GHG Emission Reduction: Depending on the feedstock used, cellulosic ethanol can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 88% to 108% compared to gasoline, making it a sustainable alternative fuel that contributes to reducing air pollution.

Enzyme Derivation from Fungus

• About: The enzymes in question are derived from modifying a fungus that belongs to the broader family Penicillium funoculosum.
• Enzyme Production: Genetic engineering is required to modify the fungus to produce sufficient quantities of the enzymes, which can then efficiently hydrolyze organic waste like rice stubble.
• Fungi Growth: The fungus, found in soil and solid waste (e.g., rice stubble), can be cultivated to secrete the necessary enzymes.
• BioE3 Programme and Its Vision: The BioE3 programme, part of a larger initiative, aims to move away from fossil fuels towards biological and biotechnological solutions, positioning India at the forefront of this global shift.