Sugar mills can significantly enhance their efficiency and profitability by leveraging advanced ethanol production technologies – Rajesh Tope
Rajesh Tope highlighted that advanced ethanol technologies and grain-based modules can boost sugar mills’ profits by ₹300–₹400/tonne. Experts emphasized year-round ethanol production, CBG generation from waste, and sustainable practices. Praj aims to lead India’s ethanol expansion amid global opportunities. Government policies support multi-feedstock plants and higher ethanol blends to enhance energy security.
Pune, 3rd April 2025 : “By leveraging advanced ethanol production technologies, utilizing existing machinery, and adopting grain-based modules, sugar mills can ensure year-round operations, thereby significantly enhancing their efficiency and profitability,” opined Rajesh Tope, a veteran cooperative leader and former Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare of Maharashtra. “This addition can boost revenue margins by ₹300-₹400 per tonne of cane crushed, making it a transformative step for the sector,” he further added. He was speaking at a technical workshop recently organized by Praj Industries.
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 emerging opportunities in biofuels. Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj Industries, and Atul Mulay, President – Bioenergy, Praj Industries, attended the event.
The workshop brought together industry participants, experts, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing ethanol production and utilizing existing assets with grain modules. Rajesh Tope, who attended the workshop, praised Praj’s initiative, saying, “The workshop was exceptionally insightful and timely, offering in-depth knowledge on advanced ethanol production technologies. This forward-thinking initiative will strengthen ethanol production, improve financial sustainability for mills, and accelerate India’s biofuel ambitions.” Tope emphasized the importance of water-saving and steam-saving technologies, highlighting solutions like air-cooled condensers showcased at the workshop.
He also noted that 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. However, availability of feedstock at the right price will also be important for the success of this program, he mentioned. Dr. Pramod Chaudhari 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 can 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 added, “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 reinforce our dedication to the nation’s energy security and sustainability goals. Leveraging our advanced technologies and robust manufacturing infrastructure, we strengthen India’s ethanol ecosystem, enabling year-round production and paving the way for a more self-reliant and greener future.” India’s commitment to the Ethanol Blending Program has led to significant policy measures aimed at augmenting ethanol production. 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. Looking beyond E20, the Government of India is exploring higher ethanol blends, such as E85 for four-wheelers, E100 for two-wheelers, diesel blending, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security.
Union Minister of Cooperatives, Amit Shah, recently highlighted the Cooperatives Ministry’s initiatives to support over 60 crore farming families. He emphasized that the Global Biofuel Alliance could help India become a major player in the international ethanol market, enabling the country to export ethanol globally, benefiting farmers and the economy. 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 addressing key concerns such as raw material availability and pricing.
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Source : Punekar News
