Praj Industries, a global leader in bioenergy solutions, recently convened a technical workshop in Pune, focusing on the evolving landscape of ethanol blending in India and the emerging opportunities in biofuels. The event brought together industry participants, experts, and various stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for enhancing ethanol production and the utilization of the existing assets with the addition of grain modules.
India’s commitment to the Ethanol Blending Program has led to significant policy measures aimed at augmenting ethanol production. To address the seasonal availability of sugarcane, the Government of India has announced financial assistance to support cooperative sugar mills with existing/running ethanol plants for conversion into multi-feedstock-based plants. The initiative includes interest subvention for those cooperative sugar mills that supply ethanol to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for blending with petrol to produce ethanol from various feedstocks, including cereals like maize and damaged food grains (DFG).
Looking beyond E20, the GoI is exploring higher ethanol blends such as E85 for four wheelers, E100 for two-wheelers, diesel blending, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to further reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security.
Union Minister of Cooperatives, Amit Shah recently spoke in Gujarat at the groundbreaking ceremony of two cooperative sugar mills, highlighting that the Cooperatives Ministry has launched several initiatives to support over 60 crore farming families. He also emphasized that the Global Biofuel Alliance could help India become a major player in the international ethanol market and that, once domestic production surpasses local consumption, India could export ethanol globally, benefiting farmers and the economy.
Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj Industries, stated, “As we transition beyond E20 in India, the focus must be on expanding feedstock options, enhancing production efficiency, and tapping into global markets. With the Global Biofuel Alliance opening new avenues, Indian distilleries have the potential to become key players in the international biofuel trade. At Praj, we remain committed to pioneering sustainable solutions that drive India’s energy security while creating economic opportunities for farmers and industries alike.”
Atul Mulay, President – Bioenergy, Praj Industries, stated, “With our proven expertise and leadership in bioenergy solutions, Praj is committed to driving India’s next phase of ethanol expansion. By supporting the adoption of grain-based ethanol production, we are reinforcing our dedication to the nation’s energy security and sustainability goals.
Leveraging our advanced technologies and robust manufacturing infrastructure, we are strengthening India’s ethanol ecosystem, enabling year-round production, and paving the way for a more self-reliant and greener future.”
Rajesh Tope, a veteran cooperative leader and Former Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare of Maharashtra, who attended the workshop, commented, “Praj’s workshop was exceptionally insightful and timely for the industry, offering in-depth knowledge on advanced ethanol production technologies. By leveraging existing machinery and adopting grain-based modules, mills can ensure year-round operations, significantly enhancing efficiency and profitability. This addition can boost revenue margins by ₹300-₹400 per tonne of cane crushed, making it a transformative step for the sector. Availability of feedstock at right price will also be important for success of this program.
Water-saving and steam-saving technologies are the need of the hour, and it was encouraging to see solutions like air-cooled condensers showcased at the workshop. Furthermore, generating CBG from spent wash and press mud presents an effective way to manage hazardous spent wash while aligning with the waste-to-energy principle.
This forward-thinking initiative will not only strengthen ethanol production but also improve financial sustainability for mills and accelerate India’s biofuel ambitions.”
The workshop served as a platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing the latest advancements in ethanol production technologies and the strategic roadmap for achieving higher blending targets, while also addressing key concerns such as the availability and pricing of raw materials.
