India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

Context

• India is on its way to achieve its target of blending 20% of petrol with ethanol by 2025-26.

About

• 20% by 2025-26 would mean producing some 1,000 crore litres of ethanol for blending with petrol. 
• Taking stock in December 2023, India’s ethanol production capacity had already increased to 1,380 crore litres — some 875 crore litres capacity from sugarcane and 505 crore from foodgrains. 
  • This means the targeted total ethanol capacity is nearly achieved although with a greater sugarcane-based component.
• Government policy is that maize as well as surplus rice and damaged grains will be used to feed grain-based distilleries.

Ethanol

• Ethanol, an anhydrous ethyl alcohol having chemical formula of C2H5OH, 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. 

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 that harness the power of the sun, ethanol is also considered as renewable fuel.

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. Initially, the focus was on achieving a 10% ethanol blend (E10) by 2022, and the program is 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.

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: TH