The government has recently permitted the production of ethanol from cane juice and B-heavy molasses, raising expectations that the target of 20 per cent ethanol blending by 2025-26 will be achieved. Shishir Joshipura, CEO and MD of Praj Industries, shares this optimism, believing the country is on track to meet this goal.
In an interview with CNBC Awaaz, Joshipura commended the government’s decision to lift the ban on ethanol production from sugarcane juice and B-heavy molasses. He called the move highly significant and progressive, as it enables the use of various feedstocks for ethanol production. This decision highlights the government’s commitment to advancing the bioenergy sector and is expected to strongly support India’s EBP 20 program and future bioenergy developments.
Joshipura expressed confidence that the 20 per cent ethanol blending target by 2025-26 is now achievable. Looking forward, he pointed out the potential for growth in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), an area where development has yet to begin. The Alcohol-to-Jet pathway for SAF production is particularly important, given international agreements that will require SAF blending in international flights starting January 2027. Additionally, diesel blending programs and the transition to E100 will drive increased demand for flex-fuel vehicles. As ethanol use expands, so too will its consumption.
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