Ethanol Blending: India achieves 15%, saves 1 lakh crores & prepones 20% target

Union Minister for Road Transport, Nitin Gadkari, announced that ethanol blending in petrol has increased significantly, rising from 1.53% in 2014 to 15% in 2024. He also mentioned ongoing research to explore the possibility of blending 15% ethanol in diesel. He said that the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

Gadkari made these remarks at the 12th CII Bioenergy Summit 2024, themed “Fuelling the Future – Securing India’s Green Growth Goals,” held in New Delhi.

He highlighted the development of an ethanol ecosystem, including Indian Oil Corporation’s plan to set up 400 ethanol pumps across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Gadkari also revealed that discussions are underway with leading automakers to introduce flex-engine cars that run on ethanol. Additionally, major two-wheeler manufacturers are preparing to launch ethanol-powered bikes as the infrastructure develops.

Ethanol Blending Saved Rs 1.06 Lakh Crores

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri held at the Summit that the government has advanced the 20% target by 5 years to 2025 and is on track to achieve it. “As a result of this India saved ₹1,06,072 crore in foreign exchange, paid ₹90,059 cr to farmers, substituted 181 Lakh MT of crude oil and lowered 544 Lakh MT of CO2 emissions between 2014 & August 2024,” said Puri.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in revolutionizing India’s bioenergy ecosystem since 2014, attributing the progress to a combination of market dynamics, technological advancements, and supportive government policies.

Puri commented that the global bioenergy market is expected to reach US $125 billion by 2050, and if global net-zero targets are met, it could soar to US $500 billion.

Moreover, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) recently invited tenders for the supply of 916 crore liters of denatured anhydrous ethanol for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25. Manufacturers across the country responded enthusiastically, submitting offers exceeding the requirement, with over 970 crore liters offered.

Focus On Biogas Too

Gadkari also stressed the importance of waste-to-energy technologies, particularly the production of bio-CNG from rice straw. He pointed out that this technology is viable in 475 projects, with over 40 already operational in states like Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Gadkari also revealed that Anant Ambani intends to establish 600 biomass-to-CNG plants, with the goal of reducing India’s ₹22 lakh crore fossil fuel imports. This initiative will not only decrease pollution and expenses but also benefit farmers by generating ethanol from sources such as sugarcane, corn, and bamboo.