In a strategic move to bolster India’s renewable energy sector, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Sugar Institute (NSI), Kanpur, to advance the development of sweet sorghum as an eco-friendly biofuel feedstock. This collaboration is a significant step in supporting the Indian government’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The MoU was formalized in the presence of Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, and G Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director of BPCL. The agreement was signed by Chandrasekhar N, Head (R&D) at BPCL, and Seema Paroha, Director of NSI, Kanpur.
BPCL has committed ₹5 crores towards research and development initiatives aimed at optimizing sweet sorghum cultivation. The funding will be utilized to enhance agricultural practices, improve juice extraction and fermentation techniques, and boost ethanol yield. Furthermore, the partnership will explore the potential of residual biomass for compressed biogas (CBG) and other value-added applications, ensuring a holistic approach to bioenergy utilization.
Sweet sorghum, known for its water efficiency and rapid growth cycle, offers a promising, alternative to traditional ethanol feedstocks such as sugarcane and corn. This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to India’s energy security, promote sustainable agriculture, and create new economic opportunities for rural farmers.
G Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director of BPCL, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “Developing sweet sorghum as a biofuel feedstock marks a significant stride towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. Our partnership with NSI aims to establish a reliable and scalable ethanol production framework that benefits both the energy sector and farmers.”
Seema Paroha, Director of NSI, Kanpur, expressed optimism about the joint efforts, stating, “NSI has been a leader in bioethanol research, and this partnership with BPCL will facilitate the application of our innovations, further strengthening India’s renewable energy landscape.”
As part of the agreement, BPCL and NSI will conduct field trials, evaluate technologies, and assess the commercial feasibility of sweet sorghum-based ethanol production. The collaboration is expected to set new benchmarks for sustainable biofuel development in India and contribute to the nation’s ambitious renewable energy goals.
By investing in innovative biofuel solutions, BPCL and NSI are taking proactive steps toward reducing carbon emissions, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting energy self-sufficiency. This initiative marks a crucial milestone in India’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable future.
