In a significant collaboration, CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram has teamed up with Hyderabad’s 3CousinLabs (3CL) to explore the potential of producing ethanol from seasonal fruits. The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to evaluate the commercial viability of this biofuel production method.
The project, titled “Pilot-Scale and Feasibility Studies for the Production of Ethanol from Fruit Pulp and Juices,” will focus on converting a variety of seasonal fruits from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana into bioethanol. 3CousinLabs has developed the technology to convert fruit pulp and juices into ethanol, with CSIR-NIIST providing support for pilot-scale validation and process optimization.
CSIR-NIIST will conduct pilot-scale trials to gather crucial engineering data for technology validation and economic assessment. The initiative not only aims to reduce post-harvest losses by utilizing surplus fruits but also seeks to create an additional income source for farmers. This project aligns with the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, promoting renewable energy sources and strengthening India’s bioeconomy.
The technology developed by 3CousinLabs has the potential to create new markets for seasonal fruits and enhance rural livelihoods. By converting agricultural surplus into clean energy, the project supports a circular economy model. The partnership between CSIR-NIIST and 3CousinLabs is expected to drive wider adoption of this innovative ethanol production technology.
