Union minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas recently flagged off the high-octane, eco-friendly fuel- Ethanol 100 with a target of 20% ethanol-petrol blend by 2025-26.
About Ethanol 100 program:
- India commenced the sale of ETHANOL 100 across 183 Indian Oil outlets in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.
- The oil marketing companies (OMCs) scaled up distribution of E20 to 12,000 outlets within a year following the government’s push for a blend of 20% ethanol in petrol by 2025-26.
- Such initiatives saved Rs 85,000 crore in Foreign Exchange and reduced CO2 emissions significantly, equating to the effect of planting 1.75 crore trees over the past decade.
About Ethanol 100:
- Ethanol 100 stands as a cleaner, greener alternative to gasoline, with its high-octane rating, typically between 100-105.
- E100 fuel is not 100 percent ethanol but includes 93-93.5% ethanol blended with 5% petrol and 1.5% co-solvent, which is a binder.
- Previously, the specifications for E100 fuel in India mandated using 100% ethanol as fuel.
- However, due to safety concerns, the specifications were revised to mandate the blending of ethanol with some amount of petrol.
- When using 100% ethanol as fuel, flames are not visible until one enters the vehicle, the addition of petrol gives flames a yellow colour.
Significance of Ethanol:
- ETHANOL 100 is positioned as a cleaner alternative to gasoline, offering lower emissions and high performance for engines.
- ETHANOL 100 fuel has the potential to transform our transportation sector and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
- This reflects the government’s strategy to bolster the agriculture sector and cut import reliance.
- It is significant for India to be among the few countries to offer ETHANOL 100, which is compatible with a range of vehicles, including flex-fuel vehicles.
- The consistent supply of ethanol, supported by robust industry, allays availability concerns and affirms commitment to decarbonization.
Ref:Source
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