“Ethanol strengthens our energy security and reduces dependence on fossil fuels”

Mumbai-headquartered Godavari Biorefineries began its journey in 1939 as The Godavari Sugar Mills and has steadily evolved into one of India's most integrated biorefineries.

- Sanjiv Das

In line with the Centre's ethanol blending programme, Godavari Biorefineries is working on producing ethanol from sugarcane at its Sameerwadi facility in Karnataka, with key focus on sustainability measures. Speaking with AgroSpectrum, Dr Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director, Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL), reveals more about the innovations for the agri sector, the growth plans, and how ethanol from sugarcane could become a gamechanger. Edited excerpts:

Could you take us through your journey since inception?

Our journey has been one of resilience and transformation. We began in 1939 as The Godavari Sugar Mills and have steadily evolved into one of India's most integrated biorefineries. Today, we operate out of Sameerwadi in Karnataka and Sakarwadi in Maharashtra, and have a very diverse portfolio. It ranges from sugar, ethanol, rectified spirits, renewable power, and advanced bio-based chemicals such as MPO, natural 1,3 butylene glycol and ethyl vinyl ether. These products serve critical industries like pharmaceuticals, food, fragrances, coatings, and personal care. We export to more than 20 countries, and what really differentiates us is our ability to combine science, scale, and sustainability. Our focus on research has led to patents in advanced molecules and biochemicals, which reflects the spirit of evolution that defines our journey.

How do you foresee the future of ethanol from sugarcane in the long run, especially in the agri industry?

Ethanol has a critical role in India’s energy transition, and the government's ethanol blending programme is a national priority. This is because it strengthens our energy security and reduces dependence on fossil fuels. More importantly, it gives sugarcane farmers an additional and stable source of income beyond sugar.