Praj Industries, a global leader in bioenergy solutions, hosted a technical workshop in Pune on March 28, 2025, spotlighting opportunities in India’s ethanol blending programme and the potential of grain-based ethanol production.

The workshop explored how distilleries can enhance ethanol output by integrating grain-based add-on modules to existing sugar-based plants—allowing year-round operations and better asset utilisation.

India’s Ethanol Blending Programme is evolving, with the Government offering financial assistance and interest subvention to sugar mills for converting to multi-feedstock-based plants using maize and damaged food grains. The move aims to ensure steady ethanol supply for blending with petrol and accelerate India’s biofuel ambitions.

“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,” said Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman, Praj Industries.

“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,” said Atul Mulay, President – Bioenergy, Praj Industries.

Shri Rajesh Tope, veteran cooperative leader and former Maharashtra health minister, added, “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 also delved into future possibilities beyond E20, including E85 and E100 blends, ethanol-diesel blends, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as the country looks to reduce emissions and boost energy security.