India - BPCL and NSI collaborate to develop sweet sorghum as a sustainable biofuel source

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a leading energy provider in India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Sugar Institute (NSI), Kanpur, to develop sweet sorghum as an eco-friendly feedstock for bioethanol production. This collaboration aligns with India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme and supports the nation’s transition to cleaner fuels.

The MoU was signed by Shri Chandrasekhar N, Head (R&D) at BPCL, and Smt. Seema Paroha, Director of NSI, in the presence of Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, and Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & MD, BPCL. This partnership aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote bioenergy solutions.

BPCL has committed INR 5 crores to research and development under this initiative. The funding will focus on:

• Optimizing sweet sorghum yield and agricultural practices

• Enhancing juice extraction and fermentation techniques

• Exploring the use of leftover biomass for compressed biogas (CBG) and other value-added applications

Sweet sorghum is a water-efficient and fast-growing crop, making it a viable alternative to traditional ethanol sources like sugarcane and corn. By improving bioethanol production, this initiative will strengthen India’s energy security, support sustainable farming, and benefit rural communities.

Through this partnership, BPCL and NSI will conduct field trials, assess technology feasibility, and evaluate the commercial potential of sweet sorghum-based ethanol. This initiative is expected to set a benchmark for sustainable biofuel production in India.