Last week, the Brazilian Sugarcane and Bioenergy Industry Association (UNICA) hosted a delegation from India to exchange insights and expertise on sustainable ethanol production. The discussion focused on Brazil’s extensive experience in using ethanol as a biofuel, both as anhydrous ethanol blended with gasoline and as in its pure form (hydrous ethanol). Among the delegation was Mr. K.C. Sharma, Director of Road Safety at the Indian Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. Additionally, representatives from Toyota Kirloskar Motor included Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive Vice President for Corporate Affairs & Governance, and Mr. Jitendra Goyal, Vice President of Technical.
The group followed an intensive agenda, allowing them to explore and closely observe various innovative aspects of ethanol production and consumption in Brazil. They visited Toyota do Brasil’s production facility to gain insights into the manufacturing of flex-fuel and hybrid-flex vehicles, as well as fuel distribution and sugarcane technology centers. Additionally, the delegation participated in a roundtable discussion with UNICA and the Brazilian government, focusing on public policies and the potential of biofuels to reduce carbon emissions. It was emphasized that the extent of carbon reduction depends largely on the choice of feedstock and the adoption of best agricultural production practices. Brazilian representatives also highlighted the importance of international certifications and standards to recognize the unique characteristics of each raw material and the sustainable production methods applied.
India and Brazil have been actively engaging in discussions and collaboration on the production and use of biofuels to promote a cleaner transportation matrix. In July 2023, UNICA, in partnership with the Brazilian and Indian governments, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), hosted the “Ethanol Talks India Special Edition” seminar. This event brought together experts, policymakers, regulators, and industry representatives to explore how to scale up bioenergy and its role in sustainable mobility. Additionally, both countries have established Ethanol Center of Excellence to demonstrate how ethanol can contribute to transport decarbonization and serve as a viable, replicable global technology. To further deepen this topic and showcase Brazil’s 40 years of experience with ethanol, UNICA also participated in the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in January.
India has made significant progress in the decarbonization of land transport, with the ethanol program being a central priority. The country is currently the third-largest producer and consumer of ethanol globally and has recently set an ambitious target to increase the ethanol blend in gasoline to 20% by April of this year. In addition, flex-fuel technology has emerged as a key area for innovation and investment.
@SugarcaneOrg
