India achieved 10% ethanol blending target ahead of schedule
What is Ethanol Blending?
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- Ethanol (also called ethyl alcohol, or alcohol) is a biofuel with chemical formula C2H5OH. It is naturally made by the fermentation of sugar.
- In India, it is largely derived while extracting sugar from sugarcane. However, other organic matter like food grains can also be used for its production.
- India is the world’s fifth largest producer of ethanol after the U.S., Brazil, the EU and China.
Why is Ethanol mixing important?
- India has put forward the audacious goal of considerable cutting in carbon footprint.
- According to 2021 data published by NITI Aayog in a report titled “Roadmap for Ethanol blending in India 2020-25”, 98% of the fuel requirement in the road transportation sector is currently met by fossil fuels and while only 2% by biofuels.
- As ethanol supports complete combustion, the report points out that higher reductions in carbon monoxide emissions were observed with E20 fuel–50% lower in two-wheelers and 30% lower in four-wheelers.
- India is highly dependent on other countries to fulfil its energy demand. The report states that of the total oil requirement in the transportation sector, 85% need to be imported.
- Apart from these, the alternative use-case of sugarcane will help the farmers realize more income on their produce. Also, the surplus and damaged rice procured by the Food Corporation of India can be used to produce ethanol.
Why in news?
- Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day, PM said that India has reached the target of 10% sugarcane-extracted Ethanol blending with petrol earlier of its schedule.
- The target attained in June has motivated the government to advance the target of 20% blending by five years, to accomplish by 2025.
Reference
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