First cellulosic ethanol plant in India breaks ground

Praj Industries, a process solutions business for bioethanol, has emerged as the first company in South Asia to set up an integrated second generation cellulosic ethanol plant.

The demo plant, located in Maharashtra, India, will operate on different varieties of biomass, including agricultural wastes such as corn stover, cobs and bagasse, at a capacity of 100 dry tonnes per day. It will enable Praj to consolidate six years of R&D efforts, starting with laboratory to pilot-scale trials. The same plant will also enable Praj to develop various biochemicals and bioproducts.

Praj’s executive chairman Pramod Chaudhari initiated the groundbreaking in early August alongside Mansinghrao Naik, chairman of Viraj Alcohols and Allied Industries.

The demo plant will seek to demonstrate various technical parameters including optimisation of water and energy integration and its impact on the capex and opex. The plant will also develop the entire value chain including biomass handling and composition and its impact on the operations.

Praj expects the project cost to be in the region of $25 million (€18.8 million) and will work with VAAIL, an existing ethanol producer located in western Maharashtra, which will provide land and allied services for the project. 

‘This is a giant leap in biotechnology and towards a more sustainable world. The greenhouse gas savings from cellulosic ethanol is greater than those from first generation crop-based biofuels, as well as fossil-based fuel, and hence this project will play a vital role in reducing carbon footprints,’ says Chaudhari.  ‘The project site gives us a location advantage in terms of sourcing of biomass, utilities and manpower.’