Godavari Biorefineries (GBL) to build Rs 130 crore corn & grain based ethanol facility

Renewable chemicals & biofuels major Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL) will be making an investment in corn/grain-based ethanol project to further strengthen its ethanol production capabilities. The company plans to invest approximately Rs 130 crore in a new 200 KLPD corn/grain-based distillery to its existing operations, enhancing flexibility through dual-feedstock capability.

GBL has also reported a 25% Y-O-Y increase in revenue growth in first half of FY-25, demonstrating its operational strength and focus on sustainable growth.

With regards to the key highlights of the investment, GBL said that the mode of finance for the new ethanol project would be internal accruals and debt. GBL said that the proposed ethanol project would be commissioning by the fourth quarter of FY – 2026.

GBL also mentions that this strategic move aligns with its long-term vision of supporting India’s transition to green energy while ensuring resilience against climate-induced risks. The new facility will offer operational fungibility, enabling the use of alternative feedstocks such as maize to mitigate disruptions caused by factors like poor monsoons and policy changes.

Samir Somaiya, Chairman and Managing Director of Godavari Biorefineries, said, “We are investing in new corn/grain-based ethanol production to complement our existing sugarcane-based operations. This will give us a dual-feedstock capability and will ensure more resilient ethanol production, even during climate-related disruptions, and position us to meet the growing demand under India’s ethanol blending program. This expansion will help us maintain production stability and contribute to India’s energy security goals.”

Recently, GBL signed a licensing agreement with Catalyxx Inc. to convert ethanol into biobutanol and other higher alcohols.

The expansion comes at a pivotal time as India’s ethanol demand rises, driven by its ambitious blending targets and increasing energy requirements for mobility. By leveraging dual-feedstock technology, GBL aims to strengthen its market position and ensure consistent growth.