Research on 15% Ethanol Blending in Diesel Enters Advanced Stage: Nitin Gadkari
New Delhi, Oct 14: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced on Monday that research on blending 15% ethanol in diesel is advancing significantly. The Centre is actively assessing how to prioritize this initiative based on robust research findings. This development is part of India’s broader plan to integrate ethanol more deeply into its energy ecosystem.
Speaking at the 12th ‘CII Bioenergy Summit 2024’ held in the national capital, the minister called upon the industry to dedicate their research efforts to identifying the most efficient biomass sources and optimizing their transportation at economical costs. This focus seeks to enhance the overall viability and sustainability of biofuel initiatives.
“Progress on building an ethanol ecosystem—where ethanol pumps can complement ethanol production and the introduction of vehicles that run on ethanol—is on a fast-track in four states: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra,” Gadkari stated. These steps aim to establish a solid infrastructure that supports the widespread use of ethanol, ensuring convenience and efficiency.
Ethanol blending in India has witnessed impressive growth, escalating from 1.53% in 2014 to 15% in 2024. Inspired by this growth trajectory, the government has set an ambitious target to achieve 20% blending in petrol by 2025. This strategic goal underscores the government’s commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security.
Gadkari also mentioned that Indian Oil plans to establish 400 ethanol pump stations, emphasizing the government’s proactive approach. To discuss and streamline these efforts, meetings with stakeholders, including major automakers like Suzuki, Tata, and Toyota, are on the agenda. These companies have decided to launch flex-engine cars that can efficiently run on higher ethanol blends. Additionally, vehicle manufacturers such as TVS, Bajaj, and Honda are prepared to roll out ethanol-compatible bikes awaiting the establishment of ethanol pumps.
The minister highlighted his focus on boosting ethanol production in the four states where these pumps have been announced, ensuring a seamless transition and swift adaptation to this renewable fuel.
In terms of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Gadkari indicated that over 475 projects are in progress, with more than 40 already operational across Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka. These projects predominantly utilize rice straw, achieving a conversion ratio of rice straw to CNG at approximately 5:1 (in tonnes). The exploration of efficient biomass for CNG production remains a top priority to enhance yield and sustainability.
There is also an exploration of new technologies for converting municipal solid waste into bio-CNG, which could potentially reduce raw material costs to zero. A pilot project focusing on this conversion is currently underway, aiming to unlock new biofuel potentials.
In light of geopolitical uncertainties, the minister pointed out that India’s annual fossil fuel import bill, amounting to Rs 22 lakh crore, is unsustainable. Emphasizing the strategic importance of biofuel, he argued for leveraging it to achieve energy self-reliance, uplift the agricultural economy, and foster prosperity among farmers. This approach is seen as a crucial step towards reducing carbon emissions and enhancing environmental sustainability.
By advancing research and encouraging the use of biofuels, India aims to create a resilient energy framework. These initiatives are poised to play a significant role in transforming India’s energy landscape, paving the way for a cleaner, sustainable, and economically viable future.
