Introduction

Near Mahagaon i.e. Bijora (Dist. Yavatmal) M/s. Chintamani Agro. Tech. Ltd., (CATL) an Ethanol and Co - Generation power plant is proposed by promoters Shri. Nitin Jairam Gadkari, leader of opposition - Legislative Council, Maharashtra, Mahal, Nagpur,, Shri Madan Madhnkarrao Yerawar, Ex - M.L.A. Maharashtra Assembly, Datta Chowk, Yavatmal., Shri. Vijay Labhchandji Kotecha, Balaji Society, Yavatmal and others well established individuals of this area. This proposed plant lias sufficient cane availability in its command area and hence plant operation and Co - Generation of power do not face any problems of low cane except in adverse agro - climate conditions. The Bio - Mass (Rice husk, cotton stalk, Residues of Tur and Bamboo) and Bagasse is available in this area which can be used in CATL There is one more added advantage available i.e. the near proximity of coal mines (Umred District). This low price coal can be conveniently used in Co - Gen. power plant during off - season of sugar crushing. Maharashtra State has been in fore front of promoting renewable energy particularly from Bagasse & Biomass. Considering the potential and demand in this area of Maharashtra, promoters have decided to install an Ethanol (i.e. Absolute Alcohol) plant of 150,000 litre / day (extendable to 200,000 litre / day) and Co - Generation of power 30 MW. The Ethanol will be produced from sugar cane juice/ molasses. This proposed integrated plant will increase overall socio - economic growth in the area of Mahagaon District, Yavatmal.

The integrated Co - Gen. project at CATL will integrate existing sugar cane crushing mill operations with enhanced energy efficiency measures and optimum usage of bagasse. During season the entire mill bagasse will be transferred to the Co - Gen. plant. The Co - Gen. plant will supply the heat and power needs of the sugar cane mill and pump all excess available power" to the MSEB grid. Variations in the heat and power needs of sugar mill will be smoothened by the condensing section of the proposed turbine. During off- season, saved and procured bagasse from nearby mills, available biomass and purchased coal will be combusted in theCo - Gen, Plant and power generated, Jess auxiliary consumption, will be pumped to the MSEB grid.