Praj Industries, the globally leading biofuels technology & solutions Company announced break-through in cellulosic biomass to ethanol technology at Pilot Scale.  Praj formally inaugurated its cellulosic ethanol pilot plant at its R & D Centre called Praj Matrix – The Innovation Centre near Pune.

The Laboratory facility at Praj Matrix was put into operation in April 2008 with the objective of promoting basic research and its scale up for non-food biofuels and industrial biotech processes. The first phase of the scaled up program has now been achieved with this break-through wherein the pilot plant has successfully demonstrated production of ethanol from corn cob and sugarcane bagasse under varying operating conditions. This follows proven bench scale process development for which Praj has already filed for patents. 

“We are proud to say that Praj Matrix facilities can now be counted as the best-in-class advanced biofuels research facilities across the globe.  It is perhaps also the only one of its kind on this side of the hemisphere. In fact, the break-through puts us right on top of the league with advanced nations”, said Pramod Chaudhari, Chairman, Praj.

As production of ethanol is expected to double by 2012, feedstock expansion has become a top agenda, fostering intensive R & D activities in this field. Most of the R & D has been promoted in USA and some in Europe, mainly assisted through government grants.  Praj Matrix advanced biofuels pilot plant will propel India into a different league of countries pursuing sustainable and secure energy resources. 

“On the occasion of our silver jubilee year celebrations, we dedicate Praj Matrix Pilot Plant to all Prajiites, employees and stakeholders, who have demonstrated unstinting support towards this dream which has now come much closer to realization”, added Pramod Chaudhari, Chairman Praj.

“Further work would also involve scaling up to the next level of ‘commercial demo plant’ where the Company plans to add on the cellulosic module to an existing conventional distillery where the basic feedstock is easily available. We are already in discussions with a few distilleries and have received encouraging responses from them. Very soon we will start execution of the commercial demo plant”, added Shashank Inamdar, CEO  & MD, Praj Industries.

These breakthroughs are expected to present a new set of opportunities for Praj.

“We are also working on technologies where the approach of cellulosic ethanol production process can be made widely applicable to other industrial chemicals/products. This will enable Praj to gain foot-prints in the domain of Industrial Biotech.” Said Balu Sarma, Chief Technology Officer, Praj-Matrix.  

The strength of scientists and technologists at R & D has gone up to seventy five in a span of a year comprising of doctoral and post graduates in different fields.

Vinod Khosla, one of the investors in Praj, shared his appreciation by saying,    “On the occasion of Silver Jubilee celebrations of Praj, I am  glad to note of the achievement of Praj Matrix  to bring about a break-through technology in  cellulosic biomass to ethanol.  The Pilot Plant indeed is a milestone and will certainly put Praj in the big league of advanced biofuels. I foresee renewable fuels to sustain challenges through innovation, such as these. Pramod and his team have indeed done well."

“People like Vinod and many other shareholders have given us faith that we are pursuing the right path.  We see a promise of greater magnitude and possibilities in this break-through and will continue to lead in renewable, green energy solutions”, said Pramod Chaudhari.

Sourced from: Praj Industries Ltd