Praj Industries, a global leader in bioenergy solutions, held a technical workshop in Pune on March 28, 2025, to explore advancements in India’s ethanol blending program and opportunities in the biofuels sector. The event gathered industry experts, stakeholders, and participants to discuss strategies for expanding ethanol production by integrating grain-based modules into existing distilleries, thereby maximizing the use of current infrastructure.
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 the E20 ethanol blend, the Government of India is actively exploring higher blends such as E85 for four-wheelers, E100 for two-wheelers, ethanol-diesel blends, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to further reduce carbon emissions and strengthen energy security.
At a recent groundbreaking ceremony for two cooperative sugar mills in Gujarat, Union Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting over 60 crore farming families. He emphasized that the Global Biofuel Alliance could position India as a key player in the global ethanol market. Once domestic production exceeds local demand, India could begin exporting ethanol, creating significant benefits for both farmers and the national 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.”
Mr. 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.”
Shri. 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.
, using diverse feedstocks such as maize and damaged food grains (DFG).){kind=link}