ISMA Proposes Transition of Sugar Mills into Bio-Refineries for Diverse Energy Production
Key Ideas
- ISMA presented a plan to transition sugar mills into bio-refineries for producing bio-ethanol, bio-electricity, bio-gas, sustainable aviation fuel, green hydrogen, E-100, and 2-G ethanol.
- The aim is to involve 55 million Indian sugarcane farmers in catering to aviation fuel production, expanding their role beyond car fuel.
- The government's initiative to establish 400 E-100 pumps last year is a positive development in promoting ethanol usage.
The Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) recently engaged with the Union Minister of Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, to advocate for a policy framework facilitating the transformation of sugar mills into bio-refineries. ISMA's proposal includes diversifying energy production to include bio-ethanol, bio-electricity, bio-gas, sustainable aviation fuel, green hydrogen, E-100, and 2-G ethanol. Deepak Ballani, the Director General of ISMA, emphasized the potential for 55 million Indian sugarcane farmers to contribute raw materials not only for car fuel but also for aviation fuel. The association highlighted the government's establishment of 400 E-100 pumps as a step forward in promoting ethanol usage. The delegation committed to collaborating closely with the government to expedite the development of advanced sugar mills capable of producing these energy streams.