Mysuru-based biotech company ties up with firms in Italy and Oman for biodiesel production
Labland Biodiesel, a biotechnology company based in Mysuru, has announced its tie-up with companies in Italy and Oman to establish large-scale bioenergy crop plantations abroad for biodiesel production.
The company has been engaged in bioenergy and plant tissue-culture for more than three decades.
'Backed by extensive research in Jatropha, a non-edible, high-yield biodiesel crop, Labland Biodiesel owns proprietary, high-performing seed varieties recognised globally,' said a statement.
The partnership with an Italian firm, formalised in February 2025, has kickstarted with pilot plantations in Italy, Spain and Greece, targeting a total expansion of 10,000 acres in each country. 'The partnership will establish a robust supply chain network and collaborate with oil distribution companies in these countries,' the statement said.
The agreement with Oman-based partner signed in September 2024 aims at developing plantations of Jatropha and other biofuel crops across the Middle East. The partnership includes joint research and development efforts to identify high-yield biofuel crops suited to the region, along with improvements in processing technology, waste utilisation, and carbon capture initiatives, the statement said.
Emphasising the importance of biodiesel, which presents a cleaner and sustainable alternative to petroleum diesel, founder chairman of the Labland Group of Companies Sudheer Shetty said India imports 88.2% of 95 million tonnes of its projected diesel requirement for 2025-26.
'Our vision is to produce 1.5 million tonnes of biodiesel annually. 'We focus on developing plantations across 100,000 acres under Phase 1 with a projected outlay of ₹6,500 crore with an annual production capacity of 500 tonnes a day,' he said in the statement.
Managing director of Labland Biodiesel Meghana Bhat said the project is expected to reduce carbon footprint.
'The company will play a major role in carbon capturing that could reshape the regional clean energy landscape. We are strengthening our clean energy capabilities with deeper technologies and production integration to tap the unlocked potential of carbon revenue,' she said in the statement.
'It focuses on improving the economics of biodiesel production. We have received a Letter of Intent for an investment of €500 million from a leading European firm. Further discussions are under way with government of Bahrain and companies in Kenya, Spain and Greece,' the statement added.
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