New Delhi, June 12 -- To scale the use of E85 and E100 ethanol blends in India sustainably, an industry expert on Friday emphasised a strategic pivot away from food-based feedstocks toward second-generation (2G) ethanol and waste-based ethanol production.

Speaking to ANI, Lt Col Monish Ahuja (Retd), Co-Chair, National Committee on Bio Energy, Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) said, "E85 and E100 have to be done. Secondly, food for energy or food for ethanol should not be done," on the sidelines of a bioenergy event.

While India has made significant strides with its E20 blending program, transitioning to higher blends like E85 (85% ethanol) and E100 (pure ethanol) creates a substantial surge in demand, estimated to be three to five...