India’s first green methanol plant to turn Kutch’s most invasive weed into marine fuel

Why in news

The Indian government announced plans to establish the country's first green methanol plant using *Prosopis juliflora*, an invasive weed in Kutch, to produce marine fuel.

Background

The plant *Prosopis juliflora* (known as gando baval) was introduced by the British in the 1920s and by the Gujarat forest department in 1961 to combat salt deserts. It is now being repurposed as a feedstock for green methanol production for ocean-going ships.

Facts for Prelims

• EnvironmentProsopis juliflora: An invasive plant species in Kutch known as gando baval.
• FactThe Gujarat forest department introduced the species in 1961 to combat encroaching salt deserts.
• S&TGreen methanol: A fuel source being developed from invasive biomass for ocean-going ships.

For Mains

Q. Discuss how the conversion of invasive species into biofuels can address both ecological degradation and India's energy security goals.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Ecological restoration: Mitigating the spread of gando baval while creating a circular bio-economy
• Energy transition: Reducing maritime carbon footprint through green methanol alternatives
• Policy synergy: Aligning invasive species management with national biofuel mandates

Keywords: Invasive species · Green methanol · Biofuel · Circular economy · Ecological restoration

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