Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), one of India’s top energy companies, has partnered with the National Sugar Institute (NSI) in Kanpur to promote sweet sorghum as a renewable source for bioethanol production. This collaboration supports India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme and contributes to the country’s efforts in reducing reliance on fossil fuels while advancing sustainable energy.
The agreement was signed by Shri Chandrasekhar N, Head of R&D at BPCL, and Smt Seema Paroha, Director of NSI, with the presence of Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, and Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairman and Managing Director of BPCL.
As part of the initiative, BPCL has committed ₹5 crores to research and development aimed at improving bioenergy production using sweet sorghum. This funding will enhance sorghum cultivation practices, increase ethanol yield with better juice extraction and fermentation techniques, and explore the use of leftover biomass for compressed biogas (CBG) and other applications. The goal is to maximize sweet sorghum’s bioenergy potential, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable fuel system.
Sweet sorghum is an ideal crop for bioethanol production due to its water efficiency and rapid growth. It serves as a strong alternative to conventional feedstocks like sugarcane and corn. BPCL’s initiative will not only help improve energy security but also promote sustainable agricultural practices and support rural communities. This effort underscores BPCL’s commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
Shri G. Krishnakumar emphasized, “Developing sweet sorghum as a biofuel feedstock is an important step toward a cleaner future. This partnership with NSI will create an efficient framework for large-scale ethanol production that benefits both the energy sector and farmers.”
Smt Paroha added, “NSI has been at the forefront of bioethanol research, and this collaboration with BPCL will help put our innovations into practical use, driving India’s transition to renewable energy.”
The two organizations will conduct field trials, evaluate technologies, and assess the commercial viability of the sweet sorghum-based ethanol production model. This partnership is expected to reshape India’s biofuel sector and align with the country’s clean energy goals.
BPCL is a Fortune Global 500 company and India’s second-largest oil marketing company. It operates three major refineries in Mumbai, Kochi, and Bina, with a total refining capacity of 35.3 MMTPA. With over 22,000 fuel stations, 6,250 LPG distributorships, and 123 POL storage locations, BPCL has a wide-reaching infrastructure. The company is also committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, including plans to install 7,000 EV charging stations in the next five years as part of India’s clean mobility shift.
Furthermore, BPCL aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040 and is investing in projects focused on water conservation, education, healthcare, and skill development, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth.
