In a significant boost to India's green energy exports, Assam Petrochemicals Limited (APL) has secured a major international order from German renewable energy firm SFC Energy AG. The state-owned company based in Namrup will supply 180 tonnes of high-purity methanol at a premium price that underscores the global recognition of Indian manufacturing quality.
Record-Breaking Export Deal
The German company has agreed to pay Rs 90,000 per tonne for the Namrup-produced methanol, which is more than triple the typical Indian market price of approximately Rs 25,000 per tonne. This landmark deal, finalized on Monday, represents a major validation of APL's manufacturing capabilities and the superior quality of its methanol production.
APL chairman Bikul Deka expressed his enthusiasm about this achievement, stating that the export deal demonstrates global market recognition of Assam's methanol production capabilities. "The methanol produced under the Assam Petrochemical Project has now gained global market recognition", Deka said, highlighting the significant price premium achieved through quality excellence.
Strategic International Partnership
The collaboration between APL and SFC Energy AG stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed one year ago. SFC Energy AG, which has partnered with India's FC TecNrgy to operate in the country's defence sector, specializes in advanced fuel cell technology where methanol serves as a clean energy source.
The partnership focuses on producing direct methanol fuel cell-based generators that will be manufactured in India under the 'Make in India' (Atmanirbhar Bharat) initiative. These innovative systems use methanol as fuel to generate reliable power for military installations in remote and challenging terrains, including sensitive border regions.
Christian Bohm, vice president of SFC Energy AG, commented on the growing international shift toward sustainable energy solutions. "The global adoption of green energy using methanol is expanding rapidly", Bohm said, while commending the quality standards maintained by Assam Petrochemicals Limited.
Broader Implications for Indian Industry
This export deal not only showcases Assam's industrial capabilities on the international stage but also highlights India's growing role in the global green energy transition. The successful collaboration between German technology and Indian manufacturing exemplifies the potential of international partnerships in advancing both defence capabilities and sustainable energy solutions.
Deka credited the success to the dedicated workforce at APL, expressing gratitude to every officer and employee for their contribution to this remarkable achievement. The deal establishes a new benchmark for Indian chemical exports and demonstrates how quality-focused production can command premium prices in international markets.
The key achievements of this landmark deal include:
- Premium pricing at three times domestic market rates
- Strengthening of India-Germany trade relations in green energy
- Support for the Make in India initiative in defence technology
- Global recognition of Assam's industrial capabilities
This successful export marks a new chapter for Assam Petrochemicals Limited and positions India as a significant player in the global renewable energy supply chain, particularly in the specialized field of methanol-based fuel cell technology.
