The government is now focusing on ‘Ethanol 100’ (E100) to boost biofuel production. Today, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched ‘Ethanol 100’ from an Indian Oil (IOCL) outlet in Delhi.
Speaking at the occasion, he said, “We already have E-20 fuel available in 12,000 outlets. 183 of the IOCL’s retail outlets will be selling E100. By 15th April, 400 outlets will be selling E100. During the last 10 years, these ethanol blending initiatives have resulted in additional income for farmers, increased rural employment, carbon dioxide reduction equivalent to planting 1.75 crore trees, and Rs. 85,000 crores worth of foreign exchange.”
“The variety of our feed is diversifying. And I’m sure that the kind of research which is being done, it’s only a matter of time before we will be having even newer feeds. Because no matter which way you look at it, these green fuels are what is going to sustain our economic growth in the future,” he further added.
The country has successfully achieved an ethanol blending rate of 11.60% as of February end for the current Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) of 2023-24. And Petroleum Minister is confident that India will achieve target of 20 per cent ethanol blending on time.
In order to achieve the target of 20 per cent blending by 2025, about 1016 crore litres of ethanol is required and total requirement of ethanol including for other uses is 1350 crore litres. For this, about 1700 crore liters of ethanol producing capacity is required to be in place by 2025 considering plant operates at 80% efficiency. The Government has estimated the demand of ethanol required for 20% blending by 2025 keeping in view the growth of petrol-based vehicles in two-wheeler and passenger vehicle segments& the projected sale of Motor Spirit (MS).
Production of ethanol has led to proportionate reduction in the import of petrol or crude oil which has resulted in saving of foreign exchange for India.
