
7 June 2021.
Introduction:
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, launched E-100 pilot project on the occasion of World Environment Day in Pune.
This ambitious project was launched with the aim of setting up a network for production and distribution of ethanol in India.
Highlights
- Prime Minister also launched ‘Report of the Expert Committee on Road Map for ethanol blending in India 2020-2025’.
- It was released in line with the theme of World Environment Day- “promotion of biofuels for a better environment”.
- According to Prime Minister, India has taken several steps for development of ethanol sector.
- Ethanol has become a major priority of 21st century India because ethanol has a better impact on environment and lives of farmers.
- In the line, Government resolved to achieve target of 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol by 2025.
- Till 2014, about 1.5 percent of ethanol used to be blended in India. Now it has reached to 8.5 percent.
Ethanol Blending
- Ethanol Blending in petrol is being adopted by many countries including India in a bid to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions and reduce import burden on crude petroleum.
- Presently, bioethanol blending in petrol stands at 5%, which can replace around 1.8 million Barrels of crude oil.
Significance of Ethanol Blending
- Ethanol molecule comprises oxygen which allows engine to completely combust fuel. This result in fewer emissions and reduces environmental pollution.
- Ethanol, being a by-product of sugar industry, is a renewable source that leads to net reduction in emission of Carbon dioxide, Carbon Monoxide and hydrocarbons.