IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

ETHANOL BLENDING PROGRAM

10th June, 2023 Science and Technology

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

  • Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has successful launched a groundbreaking pilot study on vehicles using E27 fuel and Ethanol Blended Diesel Fuel.
  • HPCL has become the first Oil Marketing Company in India to initiate such a comprehensive research program, in line with the "Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025. The roadmap aims to promote the adoption of ethanol blending in gasoline.

ETHANOL BLENDING PROGRAM:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/ethanol-blending

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/ethanol-blending-program-25#:~:text=The%20programme%20sought%20to%20promote,emissions%20and%20boosting%20farmers'%20incomes.

E27 Fuel

  • E27 fuel is a blend of 27 percent ethanol and fossil-based fuel.

Blending of Fuel

  • India has already rolled out 20 percent blended fuel, though, in a phased manner, in April 2023 and widespread availability is expected in two years.
  • E20 blending in petrol was introduced in the country by the Centre with the aim of reducing the country’s oil import cost, energy security, lower carbon emission, and better air quality, among others.
  • Notably, the government had advanced the target of E20 fuel from 2030 to 2025.
  • Looking ahead, India’s next milestone in the Ethanol blending program is achieving 27% Ethanol blending beyond E20 fuel. With the success of the ongoing trials and the achievement of E27 fuel, India will proudly stand alongside Brazil on the global platform in the Ethanol blending program.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. In India’s quest for a clean energy future and to keep up with its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Government of India is been increasingly boosting the use of ethanol-blended fuel in the country. The Ethanol Blending Program could be a game changer given the strategic importance of biofuels in India. Elucidate.

https://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/oil-and-gas/hpcl-launches-pilot-study-on-e27-and-ethanol-blended-diesel/100888318#:~:text=E27%20fuel%20is%20a%20blend,of%20ethanol%20blending%20in%20gasoline.