2G (second-generation) ethanol is made from non-food biomass such as crop residue, rather than sugar or grain. It expands feedstock beyond food crops and helps tackle stubble burning while adding to India's ethanol supply.
1G vs 2G
First-generation ethanol uses sugar and starch (cane, grain). 2G uses cellulosic biomass — straw, husk and residue — through advanced conversion, widening the feedstock base without competing with food.
Why it matters
2G turns agricultural waste into value, reduces open-field stubble burning, and supports surplus and rural income — a strategic complement to 1G as blends rise.
1G vs 2G ethanol
| Type | Feedstock | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1G | Sugar, grain | Mature, scaled |
| 2G | Crop residue / biomass | Emerging, waste-to-fuel |
See the numbers for yourself.
Frequently asked
Part of our pillar guide — India's ethanol economy in 2030