Ethanol’s Evolving Feedstock: A Grain Revolution
In a significant shift for India’s biofuel industry, cereal grains have overtaken sugarcane as the primary source for ethanol production. This landmark development marks a turning point in the nation’s pursuit of sustainable energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
Maize Ascends: Surpassing Sugarcane in Ethanol Supply
During the current supply year (November 2023-October 2024), sugar mills and distilleries provided a substantial 401 crore liters of ethanol to oil marketing companies. Notably, 211 crore liters, or 52.7%, were derived from maize and damaged food grains, primarily broken or old rice unsuitable for human consumption. Sugarcane-based feedstocks, including molasses and juice/syrup, accounted for the remaining 190 crore liters.
This unprecedented surge in grain-based ethanol production signifies a remarkable shift from previous years. In 2017-18, grains contributed nothing to ethanol production. This figure steadily rose to 5% in 2018-19, reaching a dominant 52.7% in the current supply year.
Government Initiatives Fuel the Ethanol Boom
The government’s ambitious target of achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025 has been a driving force behind this transformation. The current all-India average blending rate of 13% demonstrates significant progress, with a consistent monthly increase observed throughout 2023-24.
A Multifaceted Approach: Diversifying Ethanol Feedstocks
The rise of maize as the top ethanol feedstock is attributed to a combination of factors. Government incentives, including a higher ex-distillery price for maize-based ethanol, coupled with restrictions on the use of cane juice and molasses, have encouraged the diversification of feedstocks.
Industry Adapts: Embracing Multi-Feedstock Distilleries
Leading companies like Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd. (TEIL) have invested in multi-feedstock distilleries capable of processing both molasses and grain, ensuring a consistent ethanol supply throughout the year. This adaptability is crucial for meeting the growing demand for ethanol and achieving the government’s blending targets.
Challenges and Opportunities: Balancing Maize Supply
While the ethanol boom benefits maize farmers, concerns have arisen regarding the domestic availability of maize for other industries, such as poultry and animal feed. To address this, the government has permitted limited maize imports at concessional duty, aiming to strike a balance between ethanol production and the needs of other sectors.
Summary
The shift towards grain-based ethanol production in India marks a significant milestone in the country’s biofuel journey. With maize emerging as the dominant feedstock, the industry is poised for further growth and diversification. However, ensuring a sustainable supply of maize for all stakeholders remains a crucial challenge to navigate.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Ethanol Feedstock Shift | Cereal grains, particularly maize, overtake sugarcane in ethanol production. |
| Grain-Based Ethanol | Accounts for 52.7% of ethanol supplied to oil marketing companies in the current supply year. |
| Government Initiatives | Ambitious targets and incentives drive the ethanol boom. |
| Multi-Feedstock Distilleries | Ensure a consistent ethanol supply throughout the year. |
| Maize Supply Concerns | Balancing ethanol production with the needs of other industries. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
