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Fuel Ethanol from Sugarcane: Anhydrous vs Hydrated for Industrial Buyers

Sugarcane ethanol comes in two fuel grades — anhydrous and hydrated. They are not interchangeable, and choosing the right one matters for your application.

Anhydrous ethanol

Anhydrous ethanol has had nearly all its water removed. That low water content lets it blend with gasoline without separating, which is why it is the grade used as a gasoline oxygenate and octane booster worldwide.

Hydrated ethanol

Hydrated ethanol retains a small, controlled amount of water. It is used directly as a fuel — in Brazil it powers flex-fuel vehicles — and serves industrial fuel applications internationally.

How to choose

  • Blending ethanol into gasoline? You need anhydrous.
  • Using ethanol directly as a fuel? Hydrated is typically the grade.
  • Unsure? Tell us the end use and we will advise.

Santo Ângelo's ethanol is authorized for export to the United States.

Not sure which grade you need? Describe the application in your quote request and our export desk will point you to the right one.

Frequently asked questions

Can I blend hydrated ethanol into gasoline?

Generally no — hydrated ethanol's water content makes it unsuitable for blending. Anhydrous ethanol is the grade for gasoline blending.

Which markets can you export ethanol to?

Santo Ângelo's ethanol is authorized for export to the United States; other destinations are confirmed per enquiry.

Further reading

Specify your ethanol requirement

Tell us the grade, volume and destination; we reply with specifications and availability.