Why in the News?

The Union Transport Minister has announced that the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is studying the feasibility of blending Isobutanol with Diesel after ethanol–diesel blending attempts failed.

About Isobutanol:

• What is it: A four-carbon alcohol (C₄H₁₀O), clear, flammable, and traditionally used as a solvent in paints, coatings, and chemical industries.
• Production: Derived either from petrochemical processes or by fermenting sugarcane, molasses, and grains with engineered microbes.
• Fuel Properties:
  • Higher energy density than ethanol, closer to diesel.
  • Lower hygroscopicity (absorbs less water), reducing rust and corrosion in engines and pipelines.
  • Higher flash point than ethanol, making it safer for storage and transport.

Isobutanol–Diesel Blending and Benefits:

• Compatibility: Unlike ethanol, isobutanol blends well with diesel without extra chemicals.
• Economic Feasibility: Can be produced in existing ethanol plants with minor changes.
• Agricultural Support: Creates demand for sugarcane by-products, helping farmers and managing sugar surplus.
• Energy Security: Reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels and saves foreign exchange.
• Global First: Pilot studies may make India the first country to use isobutanol–diesel blends.

Challenges and Risks:

• Combustion Issues: Has a lower cetane number than diesel, causing poor combustion quality.
• Engine Risks: Can trigger diesel knock (uneven burning, power loss, engine damage).
• Mixing Limitations: Blending challenges exist but can be partly solved with biodiesel addition.
• Cost Factor: Requires additives to restore cetane number, increasing costs.
• Blending Limit: Experts suggest ≤10% blending to avoid harm.
• Pilot Phase: Testing will take ~18 months before possible large-scale adoption.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now