ANDHRA PRADESH: Two new ethanol projects get environmental clearance

Two ethanol production projects proposed in the Kodavalur mandal of Andhra Pradesh have received mandatory environmental clearance, marking a step forward for fresh investments in the state’s biofuel sector.

Gayathri Renewable Fuels and Allied Industries Pvt. Ltd. has obtained approval from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The clearance allows the company to establish a 200 kilo litres per day (KLPD) grain-based ethanol plant along with a 6 MW cogeneration power facility at the IFFCO Kisan Special Economic Zone in Racharlapadu village.

According to the clearance document uploaded on the Ministry’s PARIVESH portal, the project will be implemented in compliance with prescribed environmental safeguards. The company stated that it will adhere to sustainability norms and environmental standards during the construction and operational phases.

In a separate development, Ramshy Bio Pvt. Ltd. has also secured environmental approval from SEIAA for its proposed ethanol facility in the same region. The project involves the establishment of a 370 KLPD grain-based ethanol plant along with a 7.25 MW cogeneration power unit at IFFCO Nellore in Racharlapadu village under the Regadichelika Gram Panchayat.

The approval documents for both projects have been made publicly available on the PARIVESH portal. The companies have affirmed that their projects will comply with environmental regulations while contributing to the expansion of ethanol and biofuel production in Andhra Pradesh.

Andhra Pradesh has been bullish on the development of bioenergy especially in the CBG & ethanol segment, besides some movement on SAF as well. As of ESY 2024-25, Andhra Pradesh had installed ethanol capacity of 48 crore liters and many projects have been announced of late. Last October, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu unveiled Rs 340 crore ethanol plant in Nellore; preceded by Rs 270 crores investment vowed by Assago Industries for an ethanol project in Gummalladoddi.