Sugarcane-based cooperative sugar mills will be converted into multi-feed based ethanol plants
13-Mar-2025 03:00 PM
Sugarcane-based cooperative sugar mills will be converted into multi-feed based ethanol plants
This update highlights India's push towards increasing ethanol production and blending it with petrol. Key points include:
Ethanol Production & Supply:
- 672 crore liters supplied in 2023-24.
- 261 crore liters supplied so far in 2024-25 (Nov-Feb).
- 1016 crore liters needed for 20% blending in 2025-26.
Policy Support:
- Sugarcane-based ethanol production is unrestricted.
- Government rice is subsidized at ₹2250 per quintal for grain-based ethanol plants.
- Maize is being widely used.
E20 Fuel Implementation:
- Vehicles already using 20% ethanol-blended petrol.
- Full nationwide rollout targeted for April 2025.
- Ethanol-blended petrol has slightly lower efficiency than gasoline.
New Scheme for Cooperative Sugar Mills:
- Announced on March 6, 2025.
- Focus on converting sugarcane-based mills into multi-feed ethanol plants (allowing flexibility in raw material use).
This initiative will enhance energy security, reduce crude oil dependence, and support the agricultural economy