Sugar-Based Ethanol | AIDA India

About Sugar-Based Ethanol

Sugar-based ethanol is a renewable biofuel produced primarily from sugarcane and its by-products and is widely used for blending with petrol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. India is one of the world’s largest producers of sugarcane, making sugar-based ethanol a cornerstone of the country’s Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP).

Sugar-based ethanol is manufactured using sugarcane juice, B-heavy molasses, C-heavy molasses, and sugar syrup. These feedstocks contain readily fermentable sugars which are converted into ethanol through fermentation and distillation process.

Role of Sugar-Based Ethanol Distilleries

🚗 Achieving ethanol blending targets by ensuring large-scale and consistent ethanol supply

🌍 Reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner fuels

👨‍🌾 Enhancing farmer incomes by providing an alternative and assured outlet for sugarcane

🏭 Improving financial sustainability of sugar mills through value addition and diversification

⚡ Strengthening national energy security and self-reliance in biofuels

🌱 By linking agriculture with energy, sugar-based ethanol supports rural development while advancing India’s transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable fuel economy.

Sugarcane-Based Ethanol Production Process

Sugarcane

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Harvesting & Transportation

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Crushing / Milling
(Extraction of sugarcane juice)

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Juice Clarification
(Removal of impurities)

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Sugar Processing / Diversion Options
•Sugarcane Juice / Sugar Syrup •B-Heavy Molasses •C-Heavy Molasses

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Fermentation
(Conversion of sugars into alcohol using yeast)

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Distillation
(Separation and concentration of ethanol)

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Dehydration
(Removal of water to produce fuel-grade ethanol)

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Anhydrous Ethanol (99.5%)

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Supply to OMCs for Ethanol Blending with Petrol

By-Products & Utilities

⚡ Bagasse → Power & Steam generation

🌿 Press Mud → Bio-compost / Organic Fertiliser

🫧 CO₂ → Industrial / Beverage Use

♻ Spent Wash → Bio-methanation / ZLD Systems