Ethanol in India||Ethanol Blending||UPSC Current Affairs

Description

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Context

India has become the World’s third largest Producer and Consumer of Ethanol.

Statistics

The United States is the world's largest producer of ethanol, having produced over 15 billion gallons in 2021 and 2022. Together, the United States and Brazil produce 80% of the world's ethanol. USA mainly from corn and Brazil from sugarcane.

As on 30.11.2023, the ethanol production capacity in the country is about 1380 crore litres out of which about 875 crore litres is molasses based and about 505 crore litres is grain based. (Source: reply by Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in Parliament)

Read about biofuels: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/biofuels-27#:~:text=Biofuels%20are%20liquid%20or%20gaseous,stationary%2C%20portable%20and%20other%20applications.

Read about Ethanol Blending:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/ethanol-blending-in-india#:~:text=Ethanol%3A%20Produced%20from%20fermenting%20sugars,a%20chemical%20process%20called%20transesterification.

Ethanol

Aspect	Details
Other Names	Ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol
Physical Properties	Clear, colorless liquid Boiling Point is 78.37°C Density is 0.789 g/cm³ (at 20°C)
Production Methods	Produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeast Synthetic Production is done through hydration of ethylene (industrial method)
Uses	Bioethanol is used as a renewable fuel for vehicles Main component in alcoholic drinks Solvent in paints, perfumes Used in hand sanitizers, disinfectants
Ethanol as Fuel	Bioethanol: Renewable fuel derived from biomass (corn, sugarcane, etc.) Blended Fuels: E10 (10% ethanol), E85 (85% ethanol) used in engines
Environmental Impact	Bioethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels Land use for biofuel crops can impact food production
Health and Safety Risks	Highly flammable liquid and vapor Toxic when ingested in high quantities, can cause alcohol poisoning
Ethanol vs. Methanol	Ethanol: Safe for human consumption in moderate amounts Methanol: Toxic alcohol, used as an industrial solvent and antifreeze

Ethanol in India

Aspect	Details
Introduction	Ethanol in India is primarily used as a biofuel and an industrial solvent. Its importance has grown due to its role in the ethanol blending program (EBP) to reduce oil imports and carbon emissions.
Ethanol Blending Program (EBP)	It was introduced in 2003 to blend ethanol with petrol to reduce fossil fuel use and dependency on oil imports. 10% ethanol blending (E10) achieved by 2022, aiming for 20% blending (E20) by 2025.
Top Producing States	Maharashtra is the leading state in ethanol production, with 2.68BL per annum. The other major producing states are Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka
Government Initiatives	Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana was launched in 2019 to promote ethanol production from second-generation (2G) biofuels. National Policy on Biofuels (2018) set the roadmap for ethanol blending targets and encourages the use of non-food feedstock.
Production Methods	Molasses-Based Production: Most common method from sugarcane by-products. Grain-Based Production: Corn and other grains are increasingly used for ethanol production. 2G Ethanol: Utilizing agricultural waste.

Sources:

PIB

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q:Evaluate the progress of India's Ethanol Blending Program (EBP). What challenges need to be addressed to achieve the target of 20% ethanol blending by 2025? (150 Words)