Ethanol from 'MADHURA' sweet sorghum

Solar powered ethanol distillation plant

Solar collectors for the distillation plant

A solar powered ethanol distillation plant was set up in the Institute campus. It was capable of distilling 50 l/day of 94% (v/v) ethanol from MADHURA sweet sorghum hybrid developed at NARI. The solar collector area was 38 sq. m. About 70% of the energy for distillation came from solar energy.

Yearly production of food, fuel and fodder from 1 ha of 'Madhura' .
- 60-80 tons of stripped stalks
- 21-28 tonnes of bagasse
- 2000-3000 liters of ethanol ( 95% v/v)
- 2-4 tons of good quality grain

Ethanol can be used as a substitute for kerosine for household lighting and cooking energy needs. Besides it can be mixed with diesel and petrol to help reduce the pollution and also foreign exchange outflow in importing petroleum products. At NARI suitable stoves and lanterns have been developed to run on low concentration (50% and above) of ethanol/water mixtures.

Sweet Sorghum R&D