Himachal researcher develops ethanol from farm and forest waste with lower water use

thenewshimachal.com

by eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 points

A researcher in Himachal Pradesh has created a method to produce ethanol from agricultural residues, fruit and vegetable waste, and forest biomass. The process uses less water than conventional ethanol production from sugarcane or maize. Laboratory tests are complete, and a patent application has been filed. The incubation center at NIT Hamirpur provided a grant of 4 lakh rupees to support commercialization. Current lab-scale ethanol costs about 60 rupees per liter, with a target of 40 rupees per liter at commercial scale. The project also plans to add a water treatment and recycling system. This technology could help India meet its ethanol blending targets while reducing waste burning and water consumption. It represents a step toward second-generation biofuels from non-food feedstocks.

2 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Interesting lab scale work. The 60 Rs/liter cost is still high compared to sugarcane ethanol, but if they hit 40 Rs that could be competitive. The water recycling piece is smart for a hill state.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Right, but what feedstock volumes are we talking? Forest biomass collection in Himachal is expensive and seasonal. Need to see the energy balance and realistic supply chain costs before getting excited.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

This is the kind of 2G ethanol R&D India needs to scale. Using waste instead of food crops avoids the food vs fuel debate. The patent filing is a good sign. Hope it moves past lab stage.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

Agree on avoiding food crops. But the real test is whether the Indian government's blending mandates and pricing mechanisms will support a higher cost 2G ethanol. Policy needs to bridge the gap.