Page 130 - CW E-Magazine (24-12-2024)

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CORN/GRAIN BASED DISTILLERY

Godavari Biorefi neries investing Rs. 130-cr to expand

ethanol capacity

Godavari Biorefi neries Ltd. (GBL) a feedstocks such as maize to India’s ethanol blending
renewable chemicals and biofuels fi rm mitigate disruptions caused programme. “This expan-
and the fl agship company of Somaiya by factors like poor mon- sion will help us maintain
Group, has revealed plans to add a new soons and policy changes,” production stability and
200-klpd corn/grain-based distillery to its the company said. contribute to India’s energy
existing operations. The company plans security goals,” he noted.
to invest approximately Rs. 130-crore to Mr. Samir Somaiya, Chairman and The project is expected to be commis-
further strengthen its ethanol production Managing Director of Godavari Bio- sioned by Q4 of FY2025-26.
capabilities, while enhancing fl exibility refi neries, noted that the dual-feedstock
through dual-feedstock capability. capability will ensure more resilient The company operates facilities in
ethanol production, even during climate- Sakarwadi, Maharashtra, and Sameer-
“The facility will offer operational related disruptions, and position the wadi, Karnataka and houses R&D
fungibility, enabling the use of alternative company to meet growing demand under facilities in Mumbai and plant locations.
ETHANOL BLENDING

ISMA proposes creation of bio-hubs near sugar mills

The Indian Sugar & Bio-energy crore litres in 2025-26 to 2,994-crore promoting the use of E100 (hydrous
Manufacturers Association (ISMA) litres by 2034-35, requiring signifi cant ethanol) along with the current E20 blend.
has proposed the creation of bio-hubs capacity addition and a clear roadmap Another is the adoption of advanced
near sugar mills. These green energy to address future demands. technologies to complement ethanol
hubs will integrate ethanol production use. This includes the introduction and
with other renewable initiatives such as According to Mr. Deepak Ballani, proliferation of FFVs, HEVs and other
bioelectricity, biofertilisers and biogas Director General, ISMA, with India’s ethanol-compatible technologies.
production. This, in turn, will ensure ethanol capacity currently at 1,683-crore
the effi cient use of resources, a circular litres, scaling up to 2,362-crore litres by According to ISMA, sugarcane
economy and a sustainable future. 2030-31 is essential. “We have submit- occupies only 2.8% of India’s cropped area
ted that based on global experience there and has opened up new income streams
ISMA presented its recommenda- should be three pillars critical to the suc- for over 55-million farmers via ethanol
tions at the 2nd Inter-Ministerial cess to this programme – the demand production. The association has made
Committee (IMC) meeting, held on side incentives through differential fuel the following key recommendations:
November 30, 2024, on the ‘Roadmap for pricing; supply side incentives through  Enhance targeting subsidies of

Ethanol Blending Beyond 2025’. The tax reductions and PLI on Flex-Fuel Rs. 35,000-crore to create additional
detailed roadmap emphasised the need Vehicles (FFVs) and Hybrid Electric 770 crore litres of ethanol produc-
for a collaborative approach that com- Vehicles (HEVs); and fi nally provide tion capacity;
bined policy support, investments and correct carbon accounting and benefi ts  Reduce GST to 5% for FFVs;

technological innovation to enhance at all levels of the value chain. Achieving  Invest in 2G ethanol production, Sus-

India’s energy security and success- this vision requires a collaborative tainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and
fully address future demands. India has approach, combining policy support, private ethanol to hydrogen conversion; and
advanced its E20 target from 2030 to investments, and technological innova-  Pricing mechanism: Link formula-
2025 with an infrastructure expansion tion, in line with India’s commitment to based pricing of ethanol with Fair
of over 17,000 retail outlets dispen- sustainable and inclusive growth.” and Remunerative Price (FRP) of
sing E20 and 400 pumps for E100 fuels. sugarcane.
This will lead to an increase in the One of the key areas of focus in the  Give permission for establishing

demand for ethanol blending from 1,127 - roadmap is fl exibility in ethanol use, ethanol pumps at sugar refi neries.

130 Chemical Weekly December 24, 2024

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