Praj In Talks For Setting Up Two Second Generation Ethanol Plants In EU

Pune-based Praj Industries is in advanced stage of discussion to set up second generation ethanol plants in two counties of the European Union.

“We are in the advanced stage of discussion with two interested parties from Europe. We remain confident about our ability to emulate Praj’s success in the continent with our second-generation technology,” informed Mr. Pramod Chaudhari, Executive Chairman of Praj.

“The techno-socio-economic model of second generation ethanol technology is already progressing in India and can be replicated in developed regions like Europe. In addition to mitigation of climate change, second generation technology is also expected to enable rural job creation,” he added.

A European delegation comprising of senior executives from bio-industrial sector representing leading organisations participated in the EU-India Conference on Advanced Biofuels held in New Delhi during 6-9 March, 2018. The delegation was led by Dr. Kyriakos Maniatis, Principal Administrator – Directorate General for Energy, European Commission. As a part of conference, delegates visited Praj’s 2nd generation demonstration biorefinery in Maharashtra to witness the technology and plant performance.

The legislative proposal of European Union known as Renewable Energy Directive (RED) progressively caps the use of biofuels derived from foodcrops like wheat, beet which are predominant feedstock in the European continent. This means that additional production of biofuels to meet the increasing demand for energy has to come from advanced biofuels derived from crop residue or 2nd generation feedstock.

“Being a frontrunner in the 2nd generation ethanol technology in India and a vast global experience of scaling up 1st generation technology gives Praj an edge of taking the 2nd gen technology overseas. The indigenous technology has been developed at Praj’s R&D centre, Matrix. This demonstration plant is also India’s first biorefinery capable of producing ethanol from a variety of agri residue. It also serves as a technology platform to develop renewable fuels and chemicals, in addition to ethanol,” said Mr. Chaudhari.