Business Standard

Ethanol Production

Turning leftovers into mileage: How potatoes could soon power your vehicle

The Central Potato Research Institute is expected to start a plant to convert potato waste into ethanol by targeting peels and the starch from potato washing water as key components for conversion

Turning leftovers into mileage: How potatoes could soon power your vehicle
Updated On : 24 Sep 2024 | 10:40 AM IST

Dwarikesh Sugar, Shree Renuka: Why sugar stocks are buzzing in trade today

Key players in the sector, including Shree Renuka Sugars, Dhampur Sugars, and Balrampur Chini Mills, were among the top gainers.

Dwarikesh Sugar, Shree Renuka: Why sugar stocks are buzzing in trade today
Updated On : 16 Sep 2024 | 10:09 AM IST

Ethanol push turns India into corn importer, shaking up global mkt

India usually exports 2 million to 4 million metric tons of corn, but in 2024, exports are expected to drop to 450,000 tons

Ethanol push turns India into corn importer, shaking up global mkt
Updated On : 04 Sep 2024 | 11:39 AM IST

Govt permits sale of 2.3 mn tonne of rice from FCI to ethanol makers

The government on Thursday permitted the sale of up to 23 lakh tonnes of rice from Food Corporation of India (FCI) stocks to grain-based ethanol distilleries, reversing a ban imposed last year. The food ministry, as per a directive, has allowed ethanol producers to participate in e-auctions and purchase rice between August and October 2024 under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). This decision comes as the government grapples with surplus rice stocks exceeding 540 lakh tonnes, prompting efforts to create storage space for the upcoming harvest. The ministry stated, "Maximum 23 lakh tonne may be allowed for lifting to ethanol distilleries." Ethanol makers can purchase rice through weekly e-auctions. Purchases are subject to ethanol allocation by oil manufacturing companies. The government had halted rice sales for ethanol production in July 2023. The ban coincided with restrictions on non-basmati white rice exports. The FCI has been conducting e-auctions for rice sales to private

Govt permits sale of 2.3 mn tonne of rice from FCI to ethanol makers
Updated On : 29 Aug 2024 | 10:16 PM IST

Govt allows sugar mills to use cane juice for ethanol production from Nov

he world's second-biggest sugar producer imposed restrictions on diverting sugar for ethanol production in December 2023 to increase sugar output after cane crop was hit by below-average monsoon rains

Govt allows sugar mills to use cane juice for ethanol production from Nov
Updated On : 29 Aug 2024 | 9:53 PM IST

Can maize maintain its newfound supremacy in ethanol production?

Some reports say the maize-based industry has demanded immediate imports of 5 million tonnes of duty-free imports to tide over the supply crunch

Can maize maintain its newfound supremacy in ethanol production?
Updated On : 19 Aug 2024 | 10:35 PM IST

Sugarcane set to reclaim dominance as ethanol feedstock next year: Industry

Industry experts anticipate a shift back to sugarcane-based molasses as the primary feedstock for ethanol production next year, driven by expected surplus sugar supplies and calls to lift restrictions

Sugarcane set to reclaim dominance as ethanol feedstock next year: Industry
Updated On : 13 Aug 2024 | 4:15 PM IST

Govt mulls ethanol price hike for 2024-25 season to increase production

The government is considering a proposal to increase ethanol prices for the season starting November 2024, while also pushing for diversification of feedstocks, as it aims to achieve the 20 per cent blending target by 2025-26, sources said. A committee headed by a joint secretary from the petroleum ministry has already held one round of discussions on the proposal. The revision of ethanol prices will be based on the fair and remunerative price of sugarcane, they added. "The price revision is being considered on priority to incentivize production and meet our blending goals," a source said, requesting anonymity. Last week, Cooperation Minister Amit Shah called for a multi-dimensional approach to biofuel manufacturing and affirmed that India would achieve its 20 per cent ethanol blending target by 2025-26, ahead of the original 2030 deadline. Ethanol prices, fixed by the government, have remained unchanged since the 2022-23 season (November-October). Currently, ethanol produced from

Govt mulls ethanol price hike for 2024-25 season to increase production
Updated On : 13 Aug 2024 | 1:50 PM IST

Used cooking oil over ethanol: Govt's new route to 5% biodiesel blending

Oil-marketing companies may expand from 200 locations to source used cooking oil

Used cooking oil over ethanol: Govt's new route to 5% biodiesel blending
Updated On : 12 Aug 2024 | 12:31 AM IST

Amit Shah urges sugar mills to diversify ethanol, biofuel production

Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Saturday called on sugar mills to explore alternatives to sugarcane for ethanol production, pushing for a multi-dimensional approach to biofuel manufacturing. Speaking at an event organized by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF), Shah said India would achieve its 20 per cent ethanol blending target by 2025-26, ahead of the original 2030 deadline. The minister highlighted that the government's ethanol blending programme has helped reduce the country's crude oil import bill and address environmental concerns. "You need to be futuristic and look at opportunities and expand. Ethanol can be made from multiple sources," Shah said, urging cooperative sugar mills to shed their "orthodox" approach and explore alternative feedstocks such as maize and bamboo. Shah said about 1,000 crore litres of ethanol is required for blending, and the necessary infrastructure to achieve this target is in place. He emphasised the need for sugar m

Amit Shah urges sugar mills to diversify ethanol, biofuel production
Updated On : 10 Aug 2024 | 7:55 PM IST

Godavari Biorefineries files IPO, aims to raise Rs 325 cr via fresh issue

Ethanol and bio-based chemicals maker Godavari Biorefineries Ltd on Saturday filed preliminary papers with capital markets regulator Sebi to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). The proposed initial share-sale is a combination of fresh issue of equity shares worth Rs 325 crore and an Offer-for-Sale (OFS) of 65.27 lakh equity shares by promoters and an investor according to the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP). Private equity firm Mandala Capital AG Ltd is offloading 49.27 lakh shares through the OFS route. Proceeds from the fresh issue to the tune of Rs 240 crore will be used for debt payment and the remaining amount for general corporate purposes. The Maharashtra-based Godavari Biorefineries is one of the prominent manufacturers of ethanol-based chemicals in India. The company's diversified product portfolio comprises bio-based chemicals, sugar, different grades of ethanol and power. These products find application in a range of industries such as food, ...

Godavari Biorefineries files IPO, aims to raise Rs 325 cr via fresh issue
Updated On : 15 Jun 2024 | 8:15 PM IST

ARAI to invest Rs 500 cr over next 4-5 yrs to enhance H2ICE testing infra

The agency already has testing capabilities for ethanol 20 fuel-compliant vehicles

ARAI to invest Rs 500 cr over next 4-5 yrs to enhance H2ICE testing infra
Updated On : 05 Jun 2024 | 8:55 PM IST

Sugar mills can use 670,000 tons of B-heavy molasses to make ethanol: Govt

The government has allowed sugar mills to use 6.7 lakh tonnes of B-heavy molasses as feedstock for making ethanol in the current year, a senior Food Ministry official said on Wednesday. Sugar mills were holding excess stock of B-heavy molasses -- a byproduct of the sweetener -- produced before the ban on its use on December 7 last year. However, a week later, the government reversed the ban and allowed the use of cane juice and B-heavy molasses, but within the overall cap of a diversion of 17 lakh tonnes of sugar for ethanol production for the 2023-24 supply year (November-October). "We have permitted sugar mills to use B-heavy molasses lying with sugar mills for ethanol. The same has been communicated to the Petroleum Ministry," the official told PTI. This will be over and above the capped diversion of 17 lakh tonne of sugar for ethanol production for 2023-24, he added. Currently, sugar mills have a B-heavy molasses stock of 6.7 lakh tonnes as per the state cane commissioners. T

Sugar mills can use 670,000 tons of B-heavy molasses to make ethanol: Govt
Updated On : 24 Apr 2024 | 8:16 PM IST

Poor storage infra at OMCs hurting supplies, say grain ethanol makers

Ethanol is produced largely from sugarcane-based molasses or grain-based sources as feedstock in India

Poor storage infra at OMCs hurting supplies, say grain ethanol makers
Updated On : 19 Apr 2024 | 10:44 PM IST

Centre mulls allowing excess stock of B-heavy molasses for ethanol making

The government is considering allowing sugar mills to manufacture ethanol using their excess B-heavy molasses as feedstock, amid comfortable sugar supply and stable prices in the market, according to sources. Currently, sugar mills are holding an excess stock of more than 8 lakh tonnes of B-heavy molasses -- a byproduct of the sweetener -- produced before the ban on its use on December 7, last year. A week later, the government reversed the ban and allowed the use of both cane juice and B-heavy molasses but it permitted within the overall cap of a sugar diversion of 17 lakh tonnes for ethanol production for the 2023-24 supply year (November-October). "The industry has stored B-heavy molasses for making ethanol after the crushing gets over. But the government banned it suddenly and imposed a cap. Mills now have excess stock of B-heavy molasses," the sources told PTI. Now that the crushing is coming to an end, the sugar industry has been demanding the government to permit the use of

Centre mulls allowing excess stock of B-heavy molasses for ethanol making
Updated On : 12 Apr 2024 | 2:27 PM IST

No proposal to resume subsidised rice sale for ethanol production: Official

The government has no proposal to resume sale of subsidised rice to grain-based distilleries for the production of ethanol, Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said. "Since July last year, rice has not been diverted for ethanol production. There is no proposal as of now to revisit that policy," Chopra told reporters on Thursday. He was responding to questions on whether the government plans to resume the sale of subsidised rice for ethanol in the near future amid reports of likely fall in sugar production in the 2024-25 season (October-September). The rice sale for ethanol makers was discontinued for various reasons, including apprehensions about domestic output and high retail prices, and economic unviability, he said. On the impact on investments on grain-based distilleries, Chopra said, "This is not a policy which is cast in stone. This policy will be renewed... Maize is being encouraged for ethanol production." As of now, there is a huge jump in ethanol made from maize. About 50 cro

No proposal to resume subsidised rice sale for ethanol production: Official
Updated On : 05 Apr 2024 | 10:24 AM IST

India achieves 11.6% ethanol blend with petrol in first 4 months of 2023-24

ISMA has appointed Deepak Ballani as its new Director General

India achieves 11.6% ethanol blend with petrol in first 4 months of 2023-24
Updated On : 12 Mar 2024 | 8:37 PM IST

Sugar mills to sell potassium from molasses at Rs 4,263 per tonne: Govt

Sugar mills will sell potassium derived from molasses, called PDM, at Rs 4,263 per tonne to fertiliser companies in the current year, Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said on Thursday. The mutually agreed rate was facilitated by the food and fertiliser ministries, he said. PDM, a potassium-rich fertilizer derived from ash in molasses-based distilleries, is a by-product of the sugar-based ethanol industry. Briefing the media, the Secretary said, "India depends on imports for potash. This will augment potash availability in the country. This is a win-win for all stakeholders." This decision was pending for a long time due to the lack of understanding between fertiliser companies and sugar mills. Finally, they have come to an agreement on the price, he said. The Secretary further noted that PDM manufacturers can also claim a subsidy at Rs 345 per tonne under the Nutrients-Based Subsidy Scheme (NBS) of the Department of Fertilizers. Now, both sugar mills and fertilizer companies are ...

Sugar mills to sell potassium from molasses at Rs 4,263 per tonne: Govt
Updated On : 22 Feb 2024 | 9:54 PM IST

India to invest $67 bn in 5-6 years for developing gas sector: PM Modi

Ethanol policy has helped in reducing carbon emissions and fuel import bill, he says

India to invest $67 bn in 5-6 years for developing gas sector: PM Modi
Updated On : 06 Feb 2024 | 11:56 PM IST

Need to boost maize yields for meeting ethanol demand: NITI Aayog member

NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand on Wednesday stressed on the need to increase maize yields to meet the demand for ethanol production. Addressing a workshop on maize here, Chand said that achieving the higher maize productivity is crucial for increasing the maize production in the country, as per an official statement. Speaking on the occasion, Agriculure Secretary Manoj Ahuja emphasised the pivotal role of the private sector in formulating progressive strategies for the maize sector, positioning maize as the crop of opportunity. He also stressed on adoption of high-yielding seed varieties, cluster demonstration, procurement policy, and the necessity for the industry to collaborate with farmers for propelling maize production and ensuring better remuneration for farmers. Special Chief Secretary in the Punjab government K A P Sinha mentioned about challenges related to diversifying from paddy/wheat to maize in the state. He stressed the need for infrastructure, machinery, incentives

Need to boost maize yields for meeting ethanol demand: NITI Aayog member
Updated On : 24 Jan 2024 | 11:10 PM IST