(a) whether the Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Finland for conversion of cellulose into ethanol;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the terms and conditions of the MoU and its financial implications; and
(d) the time by which the project is likely to be commissioned?
MINISTER of STATE for PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRIMATI PANABAAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) to (b): Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC) and Finland’s Chempolis Ltd.
signed a preliminary collaboratory pact for the production of the bio-fuel ethanol on 15th
October 2013 in New Delhi. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would give ONGC access to
technology for the conversion of cellulose into ethanol.
(c) to (d): This MoU is only a precursor to the proposed Agreement between the two Parties.
The final Agreement shall contain the terms and conditions as agreed and formulated during the
negotiations between the Parties.
The MoU shall, inter-alia, continue to be in force until the Parties have signed the Agreement.