India’s Ethanol Push

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

Context

• India is taking significant steps toward securing its energy future by embracing sustainable practices like ethanol blending. 

About

• The practice of blending ethanol with petrol began in 2001 as a pilot project. 
• The government’s proactive approach to ethanol blending is evident in its decision to advance the target of 20% ethanol blending from 2030 to 2025.

Ethanol

• Ethanol is an anhydrous ethyl alcohol having chemical formula of C2H5OH.
• It can be produced from sugarcane, maize, wheat, etc which are having high starch content. 
• In India, ethanol is mainly produced from sugarcane molasses by fermentation process. 
• It can be mixed with gasoline to form different blends. 
• Application: It is widely used not only as an alternative fuel source but also in various industries as a chemical solvent and in the synthesis of organic compounds.
  • Ethanol also has medical applications as an antiseptic and disinfectant, adding to its versatile uses.

Ethanol Blending

• Ethanol blending refers to the practice of mixing ethanol with gasoline to create a fuel mixture that can be used in internal combustion engines. 
• There are a few common blends:
  • E10: This is a mixture of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. It is the most common blend and is used widely in many countries. 
  • E15: This blend contains 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. 
  • E85: This is a high-ethanol blend, consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It’s used in flex-fuel vehicles designed to run on higher ethanol content.
• Significance: As the ethanol molecule contains oxygen, it allows the engine to more completely combust the fuel, resulting in fewer emissions and thereby reducing the occurrence of environmental pollution.
  • Since ethanol is produced from plants it is also considered as renewable fuel.

Need

• As of March 2024, around 98% of the fuel used in the road transportation sector comes from fossil fuels, while only 2% is met by biofuels like ethanol. 
• This dependency on fossil fuels presents challenges related to energy security, foreign currency outflow, and environmental impact. 
• With ethanol blending, India has a promising opportunity to reduce its dependence on imported oil while addressing environmental concerns. 

India’s Ethanol Blending Program

• The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme was launched in 2003.
  • The programme sought to promote the use of alternative and environment friendly fuels and to reduce import dependency for energy requirements.
• Objectives
  • Reduce Import Dependence: India aims to decrease its reliance on imported crude oil, thereby improving energy security.
  • Environmental Benefits: Ethanol is a cleaner-burning fuel compared to gasoline, which helps in reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Support for Farmers: The program supports the agricultural sector by providing a market for ethanol, which is often derived from sugarcane, corn, or other crops.
• Key Components
  • Blending Targets: India has set specific targets for ethanol blending. For instance, the National Policy on Biofuels (2018) outlines a target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025.
  • Phased Implementation: The blending targets are being rolled out in phases, gradually moving towards higher blends like E20.
  • Infrastructure Development: The government has been investing in the infrastructure necessary for ethanol production, storage, and distribution, including establishing more ethanol production facilities and blending units.
  • Incentives and Support: Various financial incentives and support mechanisms are provided to encourage ethanol production and blending. This includes subsidies for ethanol producers and incentives for upgrading infrastructure.

Major Achievements of EBP

• In the current Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2023-24, the blending percentage surpassed 13% of ethanol blended. 
• This underscores a significant increase in the overall ethanol blending percentage, rising from 1.53% in 2014 to an impressive 15% in 2024.
• After achieving 15% ethanol blending in 2024, the government set an ambitious target of achieving 20% blending by 2025. 

Challenges

• Infrastructure: Developing the necessary infrastructure for large-scale ethanol production and blending can be complex and costly.
• Feedstock Availability: Ensuring a steady and adequate supply of raw materials for ethanol production, such as sugarcane, can be challenging, especially in the face of changing agricultural conditions and market fluctuations.
• Consumer Acceptance: Educating consumers and ensuring that vehicles can run efficiently on higher ethanol blends are also important for the program’s success.

Conclusion

• India’s Ethanol Blending Program is a significant step towards a more sustainable and self-reliant energy future, aligning with broader goals of environmental protection and energy independence.

Source: PIB