Ethanol Is Key to India's Energy Security, Says Sunbridge Chairman Anuj Agarwal

As the debate around E20 ethanol blending returns to the spotlight, Sunbridge BioEnergy founder and chairman Anuj Agarwal has said that ethanol has become far more than just a blending fuel and is now a strategic pillar of India's energy security, rural economy and sustainability goals.

His remarks come after the Government of India recently addressed several misconceptions around E20 ethanol blending, particularly on water consumption, feedstock usage and engine compatibility. The clarifications have once again pushed renewable fuels, energy security and sustainable mobility into public discussion.

'Clarifications Separate Facts From Misconceptions'

"The recent clarifications from the government are important because they help separate facts from misconceptions. Ethanol today is much more than a blending fuel, it is a strategic contributor to India's energy security, rural economic development and sustainability ambitions," Agarwal said.

He added that modern grain-based ethanol facilities run on advanced water management technologies that significantly cut freshwater use, while also creating value for farmers and strengthening domestic energy resilience.

Water Use Concerns Addressed

Responding to worries about water consumption, Agarwal offered a scale comparison. "Even in an extreme hypothetical scenario where ethanol replaced India's entire annual petrol consumption, the direct industrial freshwater requirement would amount to only around 0.01% of India's average annual water resources. At the current 20% blending level, the requirement is only a fraction of this," he said.

He stressed that responsible water management, technological innovation and fact-based conversations should guide the discussion as India moves ahead with its renewable fuel agenda.

Bioenergy and Solar Under One Roof

Sunbridge Group operates across both bioenergy and renewable energy. Through Sunbridge BioEnergy, the company contributes to the country's ethanol blending programme, while Sunbridge Solar develops utility-scale renewable energy projects that support India's shift to cleaner sources of power. The company says its work is aligned with India's long-term clean energy ambitions.