Sugar-based Bioethanol Market Benefits from AI and Technology Integration

The global sugar-based bioethanol market size was estimated at USD 38.99 billion in 2024 and is projected to be worth around USD 57.08 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.88% from 2025 to 2034.

Government initiatives for research endeavors and suitable regulatory measures, growing dependence on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing popularity as an eco-friendly fuel for road transportation are driving the growth of the sugar-based bioethanol market. North America dominated the global market in 2024, and Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period.

Sugar-based Bioethanol Market Highlights

• North America dominated the sugar-based bioethanol market in 2024.
• Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest rate of growth during the predicted timeframe.
• By feedstock type, the sugarcane segment held a dominant presence in the market in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034.
• By feedstock type, the sugar beet segment shows a notable share of growth in the market.

Industry Valuation and Growth Rate Projection

The sugar-based bioethanol market refers to the production, application, and distribution of sugar-based bioethanol, which is a type of alcohol that is obtained from different types of plants rich in cellulose, like sugar beet, sugar cane, and some grains like corn. Bagasse and molassBagassepromising feedstock for ethanol production. The primary benefits of bioethanol are that biomass can be renewed and can potentially provide a sustainable fuel supply for a long period. The sugar-to-ethanol reaction is generally more efficient than a biological process called alcoholic fermentation, primarily carried out by yeast.

In this process, glucose is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide under anaerobic (oxygen-free) conditions. Sugar-based bioethanol adds oxygen to gasoline, which helps reduce air pollution and harmful tailpipe emissions. Bioethanol has several advantages over conventional fuels. Bioethanol stoves are more eco-friendly, easy to install, and do not require chimneys or a permanent installation like traditional stoves. Bioethanol burners produce cleaner fumes, emitting only water vapour and CO2 in amounts similar to human respiration.

Bioethanol also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% when compared to fossil fuels, performing better than any other liquid biofuel produced today on a commercial scale. Government initiatives for research endeavors and suitable regulatory measures, growing dependence on reducing greenhouse emissions, and increasing popularity as an eco-friendly fuel for road transportation are driving the growth of the sugar-based bioethanol market.

• According to a report published in December 2023 by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, the ethanol production capacity in the country is 1380 crore liters, of which 875 crore liters is molasses-based and 505 crore liters is grain-based.

Sugar-based Bioethanol: Stats and Figures

• According to a report published in December 2023 by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, the Government of India has been implementing the Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Program throughout the country, wherein Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) sell petrol blended with ethanol. Under the EBP Program, the Government has fixed the target of 20% blending of ethanol with petrol by 2025.
• In August 2024, a report published by THUNDER SAID ENERGY, the research consultancy for energy technologies, global biofuels production stands at 3.7Mboed. Half of this comprises 28 bn gallons pa of ethanol, of which 60% is from corn and 40% from sugar crops.

How Has AI Benefited the Sugar-Based Bioethanol Market?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is used in bioethanol production. The flexibility and high accuracy of artificial neural networks (ANNs), a machine learning technique, to solve intricate processes, are beneficial in modelling pretreatment, fermentation, and conversion stages of a bioethanol production system. AI for oil and gas can make use of the data produced by active wells during extraction to make predictions about probable reserves, provide advice about the best ways to access known reserves, and create projections about the lifetime yield of current wells. The biggest benefit of AI is its versatility, the ability to improve efficiency, automate processes, and generate insights across industries.

• In September 2023, iSystem implemented an AI-based solution for biofuel production. A software tool developed by a company supported by FAPESP raises productivity and lowers operating costs in the bioenergy sector. iSystems implements an AI-based solution for biofuel production

Sugar-based Bioethanol Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Government Support Advancing Biofuel Research

• Government initiatives for research endeavors: The national policy on biofuels-2018, inter alia, advanced the target of 20% blending of ethanol in petrol and Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26 from 2030. To attract investors, a capital subsidy of up to 30% of the total project cost is provided to establish production plants for Biofuel India. Government policies help to improve the socio-economic development and well-being of humans. Government initiatives may come with many economic incentives, tax benefits, and grant programs.
• Growing emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Bioethanol fuel produces fewer CO2 emissions and pollutants like nitrogen oxides compared to gasoline. This is often incorporated in fuels such as bioethanol E85, which is a blend of 85% ethanol with 15% gasoline. It is often used in hybrid or flexible-fuel vehicles designed for ethanol-gasoline blends. Corn also helps to recycle carbon dioxide by absorbing it as it grows, and then releasing it as the fuel burns. Many studies have shown that ethanol diminishes greenhouse gases and other particulates emitted by vehicles. According to a report published by the U.S. Department of Energy, on a lifecycle emission basis, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced on average by 40% with corn-based ethanol production from dry mills, and reductions range between 88% and 108% if cellulosic feedstocks are used, depending on feedstock type, compared with gasoline and diesel production and use.

Market Restraints

Addressing Bioethanol’s Limitations Compared to Alternative Fuels

• Environmental concerns: Environmental concerns may occur due to bioethanol, like water depletion, ecotoxicity, eutrophication, and acidification, for which areas ethanol blend use does not offer any benefit compared with petrol. There is a need for a large amount of water for the production process, which can lead to groundwater depletion in areas where it is already scarce. Additionally, burning bioethanol releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which leads to global warming and climate change.
• Competition from alternative fuels: Liquified natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) are two cleaner combustible alternatives to conventional liquid automobile fuels. Using alternative fuels can be a good way to reduce carbon emissions. Denatured alcohol is a good alternative for bioethanol fuel due to it is cleaner, safer, and just as warm. Disadvantages of bioethanol may include fuel costs, limited heat output, and burning time.

Opportunity

The Role of Emerging Technologies in Advancing Bioethanol Production

• Technological advancements: The future of bioethanol lies in the development of advanced technologies for second and third-generation bioethanol production and profitability. This includes improving the conversion process of lignocellulosic biomass, studying new raw materials like algae, and integrating bioethanol production into biorefineries. Technological advances and efficiency gains in higher biomass yields per acre and more gallons of biofuel per ton of biomass may steadily reduce the economic cost and environmental impacts of biofuel production.

Industry Leader Announcements

• Gilbert Nathan, Chair of Alto Ingredients, Inc.

Gilbert Nathan, Chair of Alto Ingredients, Inc., said, “I am honored to serve as Chairman and look forward to working with the Board and management as we progress on our strategic initiatives to increase shareholder value.” “We welcome our new board members and are excited to add their wealth of experience and expertise.”

Segmental Insights

Feedstock Type Insights

The sugarcane segment held a dominant presence in the sugar-based bioethanol market in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. Sugarcane-based bioethanol that generates more power in higher compression engines. Sugarcane is good for biofuel. The rapid growth and high yield of sugarcane compared to other grasses and woody plants make it a good candidate for an ethanol processing platform and the second generation of biofuels in general.

• In March 2025, the world’s first ethanol power plant to turn sugarcane into electricity was launched by Brazil. Ethanol has been recognized as a central element of Brazil’s energy landscape.

The sugar beet segment shows a notable share of growth in the market. Sugar beet-based ethanol is a process of converting sugar beet juice into ethanol, a renewable fuel that can be used in transportation. The benefit of using sugar beet in the production of bioethanol is that it has a higher sugar content, making it an effective source of ethanol. Additionally, the sugar beet crop can be grown in various regions and has a relatively short growing season, allowing for multiple harvests per year. Sugar beet bioethanol production is a promising approach for renewable fuel production.

The sweet sorghum segment held a significant share of the market. Sweet sorghum displays an excellent potential to serve as a non-food bioenergy feedstock for bioethanol production. Sweet sorghum is the only crop that provides both grain and stem that can be used for chewing, paper, fencing, roofing, bedding, fuel, fodder, jaggery, syrup, alcohol, and sugar. Sweet sorghum juices generally contain nearly 16-18% fermentable sugar, which can be directly fermented into ethanol by yeast.

• In October 2024, a pilot project for sorghum cultivation to be used as a bioethanol feedstock, thereby reducing dependence on imported wheat and other grains, was launched by Indonesia’s state-owned oil company, Pertamina.

Geographical Insights

North America dominated the sugar-based bioethanol market in 2024. Government initiatives for research endeavors and suitable regulatory measures, growing dependence on reducing greenhouse emissions, and rising popularity as an eco-friendly fuel for road transportation are driving the growth of the market in North America.

• In February 2025, the Farm and Fuels Alliance, to champion Canada’s domestic ethanol industry and agricultural sector, was launched by Greenfield Global, Alco Energy Canada, and Grain Farmers.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest rate of growth during the predicted timeframe. Minimizing environmental impacts, reducing costs, improving yields, diversification of sugar feedstocks, and innovation in biorefining processes contribute to the growth of the sugar-based bioethanol market in the Asia Pacific region.

Recent Developments in the Sugar-based Bioethanol Market

• In June 2025, a bio-based bioethanol to support a low-carbon fleet transition was developed by Toyota. Toyota is advancing an alternative route to transport decarbonization by investing in sustainable bioethanol, signaling a long-term strategy to reduce emissions from internal combustion engines without abandoning them entirely.
• In June 2025, formal preparations to permanently close the UK’s largest bioethanol plant, a day after negotiations over business support began with the government, were started by ASSOCIATED British Foods (ABF). ABF has launched a statutory 45-day redundancy consultation with the 160 employees of its wholly owned subsidiary, Vivergo Fuels, which operates the bioethanol plant at the Saltend Chemicals Park in Hull.
• In May 2025, a wood-based ethanol plant for SAF production was launched by Japan’s Oji Holdings.
• In February 2025, to accelerate research and development in sweet sorghum-based bioethanol production was launched by the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), in collaboration with the National Sugar Institute (NSI), Kanpur.
• In July 2024, a major sugarcane and bioethanol project in South Papua was launched by President Joko (Jokowi) WIDODO. This project covers a vast area of 633763 hectares, and is a part of the government’s strategic initiatives to improve national food security and boost renewable energy production.

Competitive Landscape

• Company Name: POET LLC
• Year of Incorporation: 1987
• Headquarters: Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States

About 34 countries where it operates. It operates in the renewable energy and biofuels sectors around the world.

• Company Name: Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Year of Incorporation: 1923
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States

It operates in over 170 countries. It operates in the food and feed, and agricultural sectors around the world.

• Company Name: Green Plains
• Year of Incorporation: 2004
• Headquarters: Omaha, Nebraska, United States

About one country where it operates. It operates in the energy services, agribusiness, and ethanol production sectors around the world.