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.
Pedra distils both grades from sugarcane across its units.
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.
Do you supply both grades?
Yes, Pedra distils anhydrous and hydrated fuel ethanol. Specifications are confirmed per contract.
Further reading
Specify your ethanol requirement
Tell us the grade, volume and destination; we reply with specifications and availability.