Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), one of India’s leading energy providers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Sugar Institute (NSI), Kanpur, to advance the development of sweet sorghum as a renewable feedstock for bioethanol production. This collaboration supports India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme and strengthens the nation’s commitment to sustainable energy and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.
The MoU was formalized by Shri Chandrasekhar N, Head (R&D), BPCL, and Smt Seema Paroha, Director, NSI, in the presence of Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, and Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL.
BPCL has committed ₹5 crores towards research and development to advance bioenergy production using sweet sorghum. The investment will focus on enhancing sorghum cultivation through improved agricultural practices, optimizing ethanol yield with advanced juice extraction and fermentation techniques, and utilizing residual biomass for compressed biogas (CBG) and other value-added applications. This comprehensive approach aims to maximize the bioenergy potential of sweet sorghum, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient fuel ecosystem.
Sweet sorghum, recognized for its water efficiency and rapid growth cycle, presents a viable alternative to traditional ethanol feedstocks like sugarcane and corn. By leveraging this resilient crop, BPCL’s initiative is set to strengthen India’s energy security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and support rural livelihoods. This initiative underscores BPCL’s commitment to driving innovation in renewable energy while fostering economic and environmental sustainability.
Shri G. Krishnakumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL, emphasized, “Developing sweet sorghum as a biofuel feedstock is a crucial step towards a cleaner and greener future. This partnership with NSI will create a scalable ethanol production framework, benefiting both the energy sector and the farming community.”
Smt Paroha, Director, NSI, Kanpur, added, “NSI has been a pioneer in bioethanol research, and this collaboration with BPCL will accelerate the practical application of our innovations, driving India’s renewable energy transition.”
BPCL and NSI will conduct field trials, technology assessments, and commercial viability studies to establish a robust ethanol production model based on sweet sorghum. This partnership is set to redefine India’s biofuel industry and contribute to the country’s clean energy ambitions.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and Maharatna enterprise, is India’s second-largest oil marketing company with a strong presence across the upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors. The company operates three major refineries in Mumbai, Kochi, and Bina, with a total refining capacity of 35.3 MMTPA. Its extensive retail network includes over 22,000 fuel stations, 6,250+ LPG distributorships, and robust infrastructure comprising 123 POL storage locations, 54 LPG bottling plants, and 63 aviation service stations.
BPCL is actively integrating sustainability into its business strategy, focusing on green energy and environmental responsibility. The company plans to install 7,000 EV charging stations over the next five years to support India’s transition to clean mobility. Additionally, BPCL has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions (Scope 1 & 2) by 2040, reinforcing its dedication to reducing carbon footprints. Beyond energy,
BPCL invests in water conservation, education, skill development, and healthcare initiatives, strengthening its role as a responsible corporate entity driving sustainable growth. With “Energizing Lives” at its core, BPCL is driving India’s transition towards a cleaner and more self-reliant energy future.
