Ethanol blend in petrol to be raised to 20% in 3 years: – INSIGHTSIAS

GS Paper 2:

Topics Covered: Energy and conservation related issues.

 

Context:

The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018.

 

As per the amendments:

The deadline for fuel firms to raise the ratio of ethanol in gasoline to 20% will be 2025.

From April 1, 2023, the policy of introducing 20% ethanol will take effect.

 

Benefits of 20% ethanol blending (According to NITI Aayog report):

1. Saving ₹30,000 crore of foreign exchange per year.
2. Increased energy security.
3. Lowered carbon emissions.
4. Better air quality.
5. Self-reliance.
6. Better use of damaged foodgrains.
7. Increased farmers’ incomes and greater investment opportunities.

 

Ethanol blending -. India’s journey so far:

As of March 13, 2022, India had attained a 9.45 percent ethanol blend. By the conclusion of the fiscal year 2022, this is expected to touch 10%.

 

Challenges:

• A 10% blend does not necessitate major engine changes, but a 20% blend may necessitate certain changes and may even raise vehicle prices.
• More blending might imply more land being diverted for water-intensive crops like sugarcane, which the government presently subsidises.
• An ethanol demand of 10.16 billion litres by 2025: This will require six million tonnes of sugar and 16.5 million tonnes of grains per annum by 2025.
• The increased allocation of land also puts into question the actual reduction in emissions that blending ethanol with petrol brings about.

 

What is ethanol?

• It is the organic compound Ethyl Alcohol which is produced from biomass. It is also an ingredient in alcoholic beverages.
• It has a higher octane number than gasoline, hence improves the petrol octane number.
• Since ethanol contains oxygen, it is supposed to help in complete combustion of fuel, resulting in lower emissions.

Sources: Ethanol can be produced from sugarcane, maize, wheat, etc which are having high starch content.

 

Insta Curious:

Do you know about Flex Fuel Vehicles? Reference: read this.

 

InstaLinks:

Prelims Link:

1. What is ethanol? How is it produced?
2. Difference between ethanol and molasses?
3. What is an ethanol blending programme?
4. Benefits of ethanol blending?

Mains Link:

Write a note on the 2013 EBP programme.

 

[Q.3) Consider the following statements:

1. 1. Ethanol is the organic compound Ethyl Alcohol which is produced from biomass.
   2. It is also an ingredient in alcoholic beverages.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1. 1 only.
   2. 2 only.
   3. Both.
   4. None. ]

Sources: the Hindu.