Punjab could produce bio-CNG and ethanol from rice straw in addition to power

In India, Punjab’s Minister of Power and Renewable Energy says he is working to promote the use of rice straw for bio-CNG and ethanol production in the state in an attempt to significantly reduce or eliminate burning of the 20 million tons of straw produced every year. About a quarter of it is used, but the rest is burned. Seven biomass-power plants using rice straw as feedstock are currently under development but the minister estimates as much as 6 tons of bio-CNG could also be produced.