जलरहित मद्यार्क (इथेनॉल) निर्मितीकरिता दुहेरी स्त्रोत (Dual-Feed) धोरण.

Gazette Reference: GR Number 202507231819263829, dated 23 July 2025
Type: Policy — Dual-Feed Ethanol Production
Authority: Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949; Government Resolution under Home Department (State Excise)
Summary: The Maharashtra Government has approved a dual-feed policy permitting molasses-based distillery units holding Form-I (Manufacturing) licenses to produce anhydrous ethanol (denatured alcohol) from both traditional feedstock (sugar/molasses/bagasse/cane juice) and grain simultaneously, in line with the Central Government's Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) to increase fuel ethanol blending ratios in petrol and diesel.

KEY POLICY PROVISIONS

1. Eligible Units & Feedstock Combination

• Licensees: Form-I licensed molasses-based distillery units only
• Permissible dual feedstock sources:
  • Sugar / Sugarcane juice / B-heavy molasses / C-heavy molasses (traditional)
  • PLUS Grain (cereals) — new addition
• Product restriction: Ethanol produced from grain feedstock shall be used only for anhydrous ethanol (industrial/fuel use) — NOT for beverage alcohol

2. Prerequisites for Approval

Applicant distilleries must obtain and furnish the following clearances/documentation before commencing dual-feed production:

1. Environmental Clearance (EC) — Revised certificate from Ministry of Environment (Central Govt)
2. Consent to Operate (CTO) — Revised certificate from Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB)
3. PESO Approval — Statutory clearance for structural/layout modifications from the Petroleum Safety Authority
4. Established Capacity Plan — Approved layout drawings showing current molasses-based distillery capacity, existing tanks, and infrastructure
5. Proposed Capacity Plan — If capacity expansion or structural changes are required, revised layout drawings must be submitted

3. Mandatory Technical Infrastructure Requirements

Distilleries implementing dual-feed must establish:

4. Switchover & Operating Procedures Between Feedstock Sources

Single Process Line (One ethanol unit):

1. Switchover Compliance: Before switching from one feedstock source to another, the distillery must comply with the cleanup procedure specified in the Central Government order dated 21 December 2023 (referenced in context point 4)

2. Operation Rule:

   • Only ONE feedstock type per process line at any given time
   • Connection to alternative feedstock lines must be physically disconnected before switching

3. Notification Requirement:

   • Written notice of at least 15 days advance notice must be given to the District Superintendent and supervising officer (State Excise) before switching feedstock sources

Multiple Process Lines (if unit has >1 ethanol production line):

1. Storage Segregation: Each feedstock type requires separate, clearly marked storage tanks/facilities

2. Parallel Operation Allowed: Different feedstock types may be processed on different process lines simultaneously, but:

   • Each line processes only ONE feedstock type at any time
   • Non-connected feedstock lines must have blocked/isolated connections

3. Independent Measurement: Each process line must have:

   • Separate weighing/measurement equipment for feedstock, fermentation, distillation, and dehydration
   • Separate ethanol receivers (completely isolated from other lines — no interconnections permitted)

4. Storage Tank Assignment: Ethanol storage tanks must be:

   • Designated and clearly marked based on feedstock source
   • Approved by State Excise department for each tank's use
   • Not interchangeable between feedstock sources without prior approval

5. Feedstock Changeover Restrictions (per line):

   • Minimum 30 days of operation on specific feedstock before switching to different feedstock on same line
   • Written notice of at least 15 days advance notice to District Superintendent and supervising officer required before changeover

5. Binding Conditions for Dual-Feed Production

1. Grain Ethanol End-Use Lock: Ethanol produced from grain feedstock must be used exclusively for anhydrous ethanol (fuel/industrial alcohol). Beverage alcohol production from grain ethanol is strictly prohibited.

2. Environmental Compliance: Distillery licensee bears sole responsibility for compliance with Maharashtra Pollution Control Board rules and environmental protection

3. Policy Continuity: Previous government instructions (referenced in context point 1 dated 14 October 2020) remain applicable

4. Future Amendments: Any modifications to conditions/restrictions issued by Central or State Government shall be binding on all licensees

6. Implementation & Oversight

• The Commissioner of State Excise, Maharashtra, shall issue detailed subordinate instructions for policy implementation
• State Excise officers (District Superintendents and supervising officers) are responsible for monitoring feedstock switching, storage segregation, and end-use compliance

Effective Date: From date of publication (23 July 2025)

Authority: Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949; State Excise Rules