The Bharat Ethanol Forum 2026 concluded in Mumbai with policymakers, sugar mills, grain distillers, oil marketing companies, technology providers, investors, scientists and farmer representatives discussing the future of India’s ethanol industry beyond the E20 blending milestone. Organised by Phoenix Foundation and Tefla’s at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, the two-day forum was held under the theme “Fuelling Bharat. Powering Growth” and focused on ethanol, energy security, farmer incomes and the next phase of biofuel development.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, who delivered the keynote address at the inaugural session, emphasised the role of ethanol in reducing India’s exposure to international crude oil price shocks and geopolitical risks. He said sugarcane-producing areas could become important sources of ethanol and called for greater production and use of biofuels. Recalling the early stages of India’s ethanol blending programme, Bagde noted that the initial ethanol-petrol blending initiative was launched at Manmad in Maharashtra during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.
The Governor also highlighted the importance of diversification for the sugar industry. According to him, sugar mills cannot depend only on sugar production for their long-term viability and need value-added products such as cogenerated power and ethanol. He said ethanol can be produced from sugarcane juice and molasses as well as grain and agricultural residues, creating additional opportunities for the rural economy.
Maharashtra Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil said ethanol production can strengthen the financial position of sugar mills and help support timely payments to sugarcane farmers. He also linked the expansion of ethanol and alternative fuels with efforts to address air pollution in major cities.
Pasha Patel, Chairman of the Maharashtra State Agricultural Price Commission and Executive Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Environment and Sustainable Development Task Force, traced the historical development of ethanol in India. He highlighted the earlier use of ethanol as “power alcohol” and the evolution of the country’s blending programme from 5% ethanol blending to E10 and subsequently E20. He also urged ethanol producers and industry stakeholders to communicate more effectively with consumers and address concerns surrounding ethanol-blended petrol through facts and technical information.
Atul Chaturvedi, Executive Chairman of Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd, addressed questions related to the use of ethanol-blended fuel in vehicles. He said modern fuel systems are increasingly designed with ethanol-compatible materials, while the impact of higher ethanol blends on vehicle components depends on material compatibility, exposure and usage conditions. He also discussed the implications of higher ethanol blends for fuel efficiency and the need for technological adaptation.
A major focus of the forum was the future of India’s ethanol industry after E20. Speakers from the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), All India Distillers’ Association, BPCL, sugar companies and technology firms discussed the need to diversify feedstocks beyond sugarcane, improve the financial health of sugar mills and accelerate the adoption of new technologies.
The forum also examined the potential of agricultural waste for producing second-generation ethanol and compressed biogas. Participants discussed systems for collecting and aggregating crop residues and converting agricultural waste into biofuels. Integrated BioCNG projects at sugar factories and effluent treatment plants were also highlighted as potential ways to convert waste streams into additional rural income while reducing pollution.
The Ethanol & Biofuels Trade & Tech Expo showcased technologies related to ethanol production, 2G ethanol, fermentation, enzymes, yeast, water management, zero liquid discharge systems and advanced biofuels such as sustainable aviation fuel. The Bharat Ethanol Leadership Awards also recognised contributions from across the ethanol value chain.
The forum concluded with discussions around the next stage of India’s ethanol programme, with stakeholders emphasising that the sector’s progress should be assessed not only through ethanol blending levels but also through its contribution to farmer incomes, rural employment, energy security, cleaner air and reduced dependence on imported crude oil.
