Indian biofuels technology company Praj Industries and Brazilian engineering company Jaragua Equipamentos Industriais have formed a joint venture company in Brazil. The JV, in which Praj holds a 54% stake, gives the company an entry to the Brazilian ethanol market.

“The formation of Joint Venture in Brazil demonstrates Praj’s commitment to Brazilian ethanol market. We are in Brazil for the long haul and will work closely with Brazilian customers to enhance performance of ethanol plants and their return on investments, said Pramod Chaudhari, Chairman Praj.

The jv company, Praj Jaragua Bioenergia S.A., will supply engineering solutions for sugarcane juice to ethanol production. Backed by the resources of the partners, says Praj, the JV will reduce the delivery time considerably and enable plants to be set up faster.

“Praj understands that Brazil has a very different model for production of ethanol. A large part of its ethanol is produced directly from sugarcane juice unlike in other cane producing countries. However, the technology paradigm is shifting, given that Brazil will produce more and more ethanol than sugar. Energy and Feedstock yields are becoming more critical, so is the fact that wastewater management is assuming greater importance, added Pramod Chaudhari.