Paper: GS – III, Subject: Economy, Topic: Infrastructure, Energy Security, Issue: Ethanol Blending for Energy Security.
Context:
The urgent need for India to accelerate its ethanol blending initiatives in light of recent global oil shocks. Ethanol, derived from various agricultural feedstocks, presents a viable solution to mitigate dependence on imported fossil fuels.
- India’s Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) aims to blend ethanol (derived from molasses, sugarcane, and grains) with petrol to reduce crude oil imports, save foreign exchange, lower emissions, and boost farmers’ income. India achieved its 10% target in 2022 and advanced the E20 (20% blend) target to 2025/2026.
Key Takeaways:
Historical Context: Learning from Brazil:
- Proalcool Program: Launched in Brazil in 1975 post the first oil shock, the hugely successful Proalcool program aimed to reduce reliance on imported fuels by mandating ethanol blending in gasoline.
Current Ethanol Supply in India:
- Rising Production: India has seen a substantial increase in ethanol supply to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), from 38 crore liters in 2013-14 to an expected 1,039 crore liters in 2024-25.
- Diverse Feedstocks: Ethanol is produced from various sources, including C-heavy molasses, B-heavy molasses, sugarcane juice, maize, and surplus rice.
- Government Support: The Indian government has incentivized ethanol production by fixing ex-distillery prices for different feedstocks, encouraging distilleries to diversify their sources.
India’s ethanol programme has made significant progress, but global energy shocks underline the need for faster expansion. By learning from Brazil and addressing policy, technological, and ecological challenges, ethanol can become a cornerstone of India’s energy security strategy.
Source: (The Indian Express)
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