Ethanol

CAPACITY : 270 KL Per Day

Ethanol is a generic name for Ethyl Alcohol which is a product of sugarcane molasses and juice, prepared by fermentation and distillation processes. It is a volatile, flammable and colourless liquid, widely used as a solvent of substances intended for human contact or consumption, including fragrances, flavoring, colouring and medicines. When blended, as an additive with fuel for motor vehicles, it is known as Motor Fuel Grade Alcohol or Power Alcohol. It can be blended with petrol in varying quantities up to any extent depending upon the technology of the engine. Up to 15% blend no modifications are required in the engines.

Usage of ethanol-blended gasoline began in the late 1970s. Environmentally, the use of ethanol blends has assisted in reducing carbon monoxide emissions. In the United States, one out of every eight gallons of gasoline sold contains ethanol. Most of this ethanol is purchased as blends of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline, known as E10, and is used as an octane enhancer to improve air quality.

In India we are presently using E5 that is, 5% ethanol blend with gasoline but a government order for 10% blend is expected in the near future.

A SUGAR INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE & ETHANOL PRODUCTION

Most sugar companies in India are evolving into integrated players as diversification into distillery, ethanol and power has become possible. This has improved the demand for molasses and ensures better economics.

The Government of India has made blending of 5% Ethanol in motor vehicle fuels, compulsory all over India. This directive has provided sugar mills the opportunity to implement forward integration.

A 5% ethanol blend on an all-India basis would require around 500 million liters. The current installed capacity would be adequate to meet this requirement as also for E10 blend, even after fully meeting the requirement of the chemical industry and potable sectors, as India is the second largest producer of sugar in the world.

Ethanol blended fuels are advantageous due to the following characteristics:

§          Renewable source of energy

§          Renewable source of energy

§          Use Molasses which is readily available and is a by-product of the sugar manufacturing process

§          Diversifies the Sugar Industry

§          Utilizes industrial installed capacity, improving the economy of the industry.

§          Energy security, trade balance and risk reduction.

§          Reduce use of gasoline and ensures less dependence on imports of oil

§          Market opportunity for agricultural crops

§          Rural economic development and boost to the agricultural sector

§         Environmental benefits (reduced carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emission. It does not contribute to the harmful greenhouse gasses)

§          Displaces dangerous and environmentally damaging components in gasoline, such as benzene.