Why in the News?
India met its 20% ethanol blending (E20) target in petrol by March 2025 — five years early. Talks are now on to raise the blending ratio further in the immediate future.
About Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme:
- Launched in 2003 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- Objective: Promote use of renewable, domestically produced ethanol in petrol.
- Nationwide rollout (except A&N and Lakshadweep) since April 2019.
- Feedstock:
- 1G Ethanol: From sugarcane molasses, maize, rice.
- 2G Ethanol: From agricultural residues like rice straw, bamboo, bagasse.
- Blending Progress:
- 1.6% in 2013–14
- 11.8% in 2022–23
- 20% achieved in March 2025 (E20)
- Future Plans:
- Discussions on E27 blending target by 2030.
- Government exploring flex-fuel vehicles (e.g., E85-capable (dual-fuel) cars).
India’s Achievements:
- Environmental Gains: 19.2 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided (2014–2021).
- Economic Impact: ₹26,000 crore saved in foreign exchange via reduced oil imports.
- Industrial Growth:
- Distillery capacity scaled up with interest subvention support.
- Flex-fuel vehicles showcased by major automakers in 2025.
- Farmer Benefit: Creates demand for sugarcane and grains, increasing farm income.
Limitations:
- Technical Challenges
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- Lower mileage with E20 due to reduced energy content.
- Older vehicles may face engine compatibility issues.
- Flex-fuel technology adoption still limited.
- Economic Concerns
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- No drop in fuel prices despite ethanol savings.
- Consumer hesitation due to lack of visible benefits.
- Environmental Trade-offs
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- High land and water use for ethanol crops (especially sugarcane).
- Food security risks from diverting food crops for fuel.
- Need for Diversification
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- Majority of ethanol still from sugarcane; limited 2G ethanol usage.
- Need to promote biomass-based ethanol (wood chips, crop residue).
| [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:
Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter. Statement II: Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct * |
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