BPCL and National Sugar Institute Collaborate to Advance Sweet Sorghum as a Sustainable Biofuel Source
14 Feb 2025 | New Delhi
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), an eminent integrated energy provider in India, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Sugar Institute (NSI) in Kanpur to collaboratively develop sweet sorghum as an eco-friendly feedstock for bioethanol production. This strategic alliance supports India's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme and aligns with the government's objectives to promote biofuels and diminish reliance on fossil fuels.
The MoU was signed by Shri Chandrasekhar N, Head (R&D) at BPCL, and Smt. Seema Paroha, Director of NSI, Kanpur, in the presence of Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon'ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India and Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL.
BPCL's Dedication to Promoting Biofuels
BPCL has pledged INR 5 crores to support research and development initiatives within this partnership. The funding will optimise sweet sorghum yields, enhance agricultural practices, and create efficient juice extraction and fermentation methods to boost ethanol production. Additionally, this collaboration will examine the use of leftover biomass for compressed biogas (CBG) and other value-added applications, promoting a comprehensive approach to bioenergy use.
A Sustainable Path for India's Energy Future
Sweet sorghum, recognized for its water efficiency and rapid growth cycle, presents a promising alternative to conventional ethanol feedstocks like sugarcane and corn. This initiative is set to significantly enhance India's energy security, foster sustainable agriculture, and uplift rural economies.
Moving Forward
Through this partnership, BPCL and NSI will perform field trials, technology evaluations, and studies on commercial viability to establish a robust sweet sorghum-based ethanol production system. This collaboration is anticipated to set new standards for sustainable biofuel development in India.
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