Middle East & Africa Ethanol Market Outlook, 2029

The Middle East and Africa region, known for its vast oil and gas reserves, is now seeing a surge in interest in renewable energy sources such as ethanol. Ethanol, a versatile alcohol manufactured mostly from agricultural feedstocks, is gaining popularity in the Middle East & Africa region as countries look to diversify their energy portfolios, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and address environmental concerns. In recent years, the Middle East & Africa region has seen a considerable shift towards renewable energy sources, owing to factors such as population expansion, urbanization, and increased energy consumption.

Countries in the region are looking into alternative fuels, such as ethanol, to meet their energy needs in a sustainable manner while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Ethanol's ability to reduce climate change and improve air quality makes it an appealing option for policymakers and industry stakeholders alike. The Middle East & Africa region has significant agricultural resources, which provide numerous feedstock possibilities for ethanol production. Egypt, Sudan, and South Africa grow crops such as sugarcane, corn, and sorghum that are ideal for ethanol manufacturing. Furthermore, the region's enormous arable area and ideal climatic conditions facilitate the cultivation of feedstocks for biofuel production, creating potential for economic development and rural rehabilitation. Governments around the Middle East & Africa region are creating policies and incentives to encourage ethanol production and usage. Incentives such as tax rebates, subsidies, and renewable energy objectives incentivize investment in biofuel infrastructure and boost ethanol demand.

According to the research report "Middle East & Africa Ethanol Market Outlook, 2029,", the Middle East & Africa Ethanol market is projected to reach market size of more than USD 6.50 Billion by 2029. Advances in ethanol production technology are increasing efficiency and lowering costs, making ethanol a more competitive and feasible alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Innovations like cellulosic ethanol production, which uses non-food biomass sources like agricultural leftovers and woody biomass, have the potential to boost ethanol production capacity and diversify feedstock sources in the Middle East & Africa region.

Furthermore, research and development activities are continuing to improve ethanol production techniques, feedstock usage, and environmental sustainability. Governments and private sector entities throughout the Middle East and Africa are investing in ethanol-producing infrastructure to help the ethanol industry grow. This entails establishing ethanol-producing facilities, building blending and distribution infrastructure, and enacting supportive laws and incentives to encourage investment. The Middle East and Africa region has tremendous potential for producing cellulosic ethanol from non-food biomass sources such as agricultural waste, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste. With wide stretches of fertile land and rich biomass supplies, countries in the region can capitalize on cellulosic ethanol production to improve the sustainability and efficiency of ethanol manufacturing processes. The Middle East and Africa are expanding, and the region also participates in the worldwide ethanol trade. Countries with excess ethanol production capacity may export ethanol to foreign markets, contributing to global energy security and economic stability. Furthermore, international collaborations and trade agreements ease the transfer of ethanol and associated products between the Middle East, Africa, and other parts of the world.

Major Drivers

Agricultural potential and feedstock availability: The Middle East & Africa region has extensive agricultural resources and suitable climate conditions, making it ideal for ethanol feedstock production. Sudan, Egypt, and South Africa grow crops such as sugarcane, corn, sorghum, and cassava, which are used as key feedstocks for ethanol manufacturing. This wealth of feedstock resources serves as a sustainable and locally sourced raw material base for ethanol production, minimizing reliance on imported fuels and promoting rural development.

Climate resilience and adaptation: Climate resilience and adaptation techniques are becoming increasingly crucial for ethanol production in the Middle East and Africa, given the region's vulnerability to climate change effects such as droughts, heat waves, and water scarcity. Investing in climate-resilient feedstock types, agronomic methods, and production technology can help alleviate climate risks, increase productivity, and maintain the long-term viability of ethanol production under changing climatic conditions.

Major Challenges

Infrastructure limitations: Limited infrastructure for ethanol production, distribution, and consumption is a significant impediment to market expansion in the Middle East & Africa region. Building a strong infrastructure, including ethanol plants, blending facilities, storage tanks, and distribution networks, necessitates significant investment and logistical planning. Furthermore, inadequate transportation infrastructure and regulatory restrictions impede the efficient movement of ethanol and associated products inside and across borders, restricting market access and growth potential.

Based on source segment market is bifurcated into natural and synthetic. Synthetic source segment is expected to grow at fastest rate in Middle East & Africa ethanol market. Based on feedstock segment market includes starch based, sugar based, cellulose based and others. Cellulose based feedstock segment is gaining traction in Middle East & Africa ethanol market.

The Middle East has abundant natural gas reserves that can be used to produce synthetic ethanol. Natural gas can be transformed into syngas (a hydrogen-carbon monoxide mixture) via procedures such as steam reforming and partial oxidation. Syngas can then be converted into ethanol by catalytic conversion processes. The Middle East's large and relatively low-cost natural gas supplies provide a competitive advantage for regional synthetic ethanol manufacturing. Middle Eastern countries are progressively seeking to diversify their energy sources and minimize reliance on fossil fuels for economic and environmental reasons. Synthetic ethanol made from natural gas is a renewable and cleaner-burning alternative to traditional petroleum-based fuels.

Governments around the region are implementing policies and initiatives to promote renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions, providing a favorable regulatory environment for the growth of the synthetic ethanol segment. The Middle East & Africa region has abundant biomass resources, including agricultural wastes, forestry residues, and city solid waste. Cellulose, the major component of various biomass sources, can be transformed into fermentable sugars and then into ethanol using biochemical processes. The abundance of cellulose-rich feedstocks in the region provides a long-term and readily available resource for ethanol production, generating interest and investment in the cellulose-based feedstock segment. Advances in biofuel production methods have made it possible to convert cellulose-rich feedstocks into ethanol on a large scale. Enzymatic hydrolysis and cellulose fermentation processes have become more efficient and cost-effective, allowing cellulosic ethanol production to become commercially viable. Enzyme technologies, fermentation techniques, and pretreatment methods have made cellulose-based ethanol more viable and competitive in the Middle East & Africa market.

Based on end-user industry segment is categorised into automotive and transportation, alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and others. Alcoholic beverges industry is significantly adopting ethanol in Middle East Africa ethanol market. Based on fuel blend segment market is divided into E5, E10, E15 to E70, E75 to E85 and others. E10 fuel blend segment is expected to lead the Middle East & Africa ethanol market.

Ethanol is the most common alcohol used in the creation of alcoholic beverages like spirits, beer, and wine. It is prized for its great purity and consistent quality, which are critical for preserving the flavor, aroma, and character of alcoholic drinks. Ethanol is used as a foundation component in the creation of alcoholic beverages, delivering the appropriate alcohol concentration while maintaining the flavor and integrity of the finished product. Ethanol is widely available and accessible throughout the Middle East & Africa region, making it a popular choice for the alcoholic beverage business.

Ethanol can be obtained from a variety of vendors, including ethanol producers, wholesalers, and importers, creating a continuous and dependable supply chain for alcoholic beverage manufacturers. The ubiquitous availability of ethanol makes it easier to adopt and integrate into the manufacturing processes of alcoholic beverages across the Middle East & Africa region. E10 is compatible with current gasoline infrastructure, such as storage tanks, distribution networks, and retail fueling stations. This compatibility allows for the smooth integration of E10 into the current gasoline supply chain, reducing the need for costly infrastructure adjustments or upgrades. As a result, E10 is widely available at fueling stations throughout the Middle East & Africa region, making it the favorite ethanol blend among customers and fuel sellers alike. E10 has earned significant acceptability and familiarity among Middle Eastern and African customers. With a blend ratio of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline, E10 strikes a compromise between renewable energy content and compatibility with traditional gasoline vehicles. Consumers value the environmental benefits of ethanol blending while remaining confident in their automobiles performance and reliability. This favorable consumer sentiment towards E10 fuels contributes to its market leadership in the Middle East & Africa ethanol market.

Based on report market is divided into three major countries including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. South Africa is expected to lead the Middle East & Africa ethanol market.

South Africa has one of Africa's most established ethanol businesses, with many ethanol-producing facilities and blending laws in place. The country has been manufacturing ethanol for many years, mostly from sugarcane feedstock, and has built infrastructure for blending ethanol into gasoline. South Africa has extensive agricultural resources, especially sugarcane, which is used as a key feedstock for ethanol production. The country's well-established sugarcane industry provides a consistent and sustainable source of feedstock for ethanol production, hence aiding the growth of the ethanol market. The South African government has created laws and incentives to encourage ethanol production and blending.

This includes blending mandates, which require a specific amount of ethanol in gasoline, as well as tax breaks and subsidies for ethanol producers. Government support has stimulated investment in the ethanol sector and created a conducive environment for market growth. South Africa's commitment to energy security and sustainability encourages the use of ethanol-blended fuels as a renewable energy source. Ethanol blending lessens the country's dependency on imported fossil fuels, improves energy security, and helps to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets. As South Africa attempts to diversify its energy sources and minimize its carbon impact, ethanol is likely to play an important part in meeting these goals. South Africa has seen tremendous investment in ethanol production capacity and technological innovation. The country's ethanol producers are investing in new production technologies, such as cellulosic ethanol production from agricultural leftovers, to increase efficiency and sustainability. These investments help South Africa remain competitive and lead the Middle East and Africa ethanol market.

Key producers operating in the market are Cargill Corporation, Ace Ethanol LLC, Grain Processing Corporation, and Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd. These companies are involved in capacity improvement, product innovation, acquisitions, mergers, and collaborations in the market. In February 2020, Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd. expanded its production capacity from 720 kiloliters per day to 970 kiloliters per day. Increased adoption of eco-friendly products is expected to provide new growth avenues for the market players. The recent developments in the global market have brought about changes in the value chain. Initially, manufacturers relied on 2 to 3 suppliers for the raw materials and there is a risk involved as contingency plans cannot always work out.

Manufacturers are now looking at options to reduce the risk by acquiring stakes in raw material companies or by entering into forward agreements. Manufacturers are currently considering ways to lower the risk, such as buying stock in raw material businesses or signing forward contracts. Initially, manufacturers relied on two to three suppliers for raw materials, which poses a risk because contingency plans do not always work. Manufacturers are now looking into ways to reduce risk, such as acquiring stakes in raw material companies or entering into forward contracts.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Ethanol market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Sources

• Natural
• Synthetic

By Feedstock

• Starch Based
• Sugar Based
• Cellulose Based
• Others

By End Use

• Automotive and Transportation
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

By Fuel Blend

• E5
• E10
• E15 TO E70
• E75 TO E85
• Others

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Ethanol industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


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