Fuelling the Future: India's Commitment to Sustainable Energy through Ethanol Blending, Aiming for E20 by 2025

Unveiling India's Visionary Journey towards E20 by 2025 for a Greener Tomorrow

INTRODUCTION

In recent times, a notable global shift has been underway, steering the energy landscape towards sustainability. With growing concerns about climate change and the finite nature of conventional energy sources, countries worldwide are embracing a transformative journey towards cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. This paradigm shift reflects a shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing environmental stewardship, and securing a resilient energy future.

One of the key areas in sustainable energy is ethanol blending, it involves mixing ethanol, derived from renewable sources like sugarcane or corn, with traditional fuels such as gasoline or diesel.The evolution of biofuels from traditional food based sources of energy to other sources can be seen as The first generation of biofuels derived from food crops exacerbates the "food versus fuel" debate, raising concerns about competition with food crops and deforestation Second generation biofuels using lignocellulosic biomass face challenges in terms of additional production steps and costs. Third- to fourth-generation electricity and biofuels offer alternatives with differing commercial and technological advances. (7)

Common blends include E10 (10% ethanol) and E85 (up to 85% ethanol). This practice aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote the use of renewable energy, create economic opportunities, and enhance energy security. (1) (2)

Policy Framework and Technological Innovations:

India's journey towards E20 is steered by a robust policy framework that includes incentives, mandates, and support for research and development. Government initiatives aim to create an enabling environment for ethanol production, encouraging investment and fostering innovation in the sector. The National Strategy for Biofuels (2018) and its Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) strategy to achieve 20% ethanol blend in fuel (E20) by 2025/26. In 2018-19, the Indian government introduced a differential pricing policy to incentivize the use of alternative feedstocks for ethanol production. Higher prices were fixed for ethanol produced from B-heavy molasses and sugarcane juice, compensating mills for reduced sugar production. The road map proposes the following key elements.

● All India ethanol production will be increased from present 700 litres to 1500 crore litres.

● The E10 fuel will be phased in by April 2022.

● The E20 will be phased in from April 2023, possibly as early as April 2025.

● Delivery of E20 materials-compliant and E10 engine-tuned vehicles from April 2023.

● Vehicles with E20-tuned engines will be manufactured from April 2025 onwards.

● Encourage the use of water-saving crops such as corn for ethanol production.

● Technological development for the production of ethanol from non-food sources. (4)

An indicative target of 5% blending of biodiesel in diesel /direct sale of biodiesel is proposed by 2030. This goal is to be achieved by (a) reinforcing ongoing ethanol/biodiesel supplies through increasing domestic production (b) setting up Second Generation (2G) bio refineries (c) development of new feedstock for biofuels (d) development of new technologies for conversion to biofuels (e) creating suitable environment for biofuels and its integration with the main fuels. (2)

Advantages and Limitations:

The economic and agricultural implications of India's ethanol blending strategy are significant. By encouraging the cultivation of crops for ethanol production, the policy promotes rural development and job creation. The ethanol industry becomes a catalyst for economic growth, providing additional revenue streams for farmers and supporting livelihoods in agricultural communities.

Simultaneously, the environmental impact of ethanol blending cannot be overstated. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with ethanol-blended fuels contributes to India's climate change mitigation efforts. Improved air quality is an added environmental benefit, aligning with the country's commitment to sustainable development.

This diversification contributes to a more resilient energy infrastructure, mitigating the impact of geopolitical uncertainties and volatile global oil markets. As ethanol can be produced domestically, it provides a reliable and sustainable alternative.

Ethanol Blending faces criticism as contributing to the food-fuel debate, as it distracts crops from food production, creating a potential food crisis and rising prices also raise concerns about their impact on the environment fuel blended with ethanol can destroy engines, especially in older cars and small engines, and relying on government subsidies distorts the market and prevents the development of new sustainable fuel sources. (6)

The instability of ethanol movement between states, hindered by non-implementation of the amended provisions of Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951 by all the States., inhibits widespread adoption of ethanol blending, particularly in North-East states due to feedstock availability issues. Addressing this concern is crucial for pan-Indian development of ethanol blended fuels and vehicles. Despite ethanol's cleaner burning compared to petrol, it fails to reduce nitrous oxide emissions, a significant environmental pollutant, highlighting a limitation in environmental benefits.

Future Trajectory and International Collaborations:

As India works diligently towards achieving the E20 goal by 2025, the focus extends beyond domestic boundaries. Envisioning the future, the country is positioning ethanol as a key player in its sustainable energy portfolio. Beyond the 2025 target, India aims to explore higher ethanol blends and diversify its energy mix further.

India’s long-term low-carbon development strategy is based on seven key shifts towards low-carbon growth paths. These include i) a low-carbon energy system to achieve development in line with growth, ii) developing an integrated, efficient and inclusive transport system, iii) driving change in urban planning , promotion of sustainable energy and resource efficiency in buildings and cities, v) availability of carbon dioxide sequestration and related technological solutions, vi) release of forest vegetation high in accordance with socio-economic and ecological considerations and vii) low carbon development requirements with economic and economic considerations. For each of these reforms, the India Low Carbon Development Strategy document discusses the relevant international and national scenarios, current policies and already implemented policies and key features, benefits and potential challenges of each reform. (8)

International collaborations and partnerships are pivotal in this journey. Learning from successful ethanol programs worldwide, India engages in knowledge exchange and technology transfer initiatives. By fostering collaborations, India not only enhances its own capabilities but contributes to the global discourse on sustainable energy. (3)

India launched the Global Biofuel Alliance at the G20 summit, urging countries to increase ethanol blends to 20%. The alliance aims to promote sustainable biofuel production worldwide. It includes founding countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina, which focus on supply, affordability, and sustainability. This initiative is in line with India’s efforts to accelerate its transition to alternative fuels and reduce carbon emissions. It parallels the International Solar Alliance, which promotes renewable energy solutions. The move is part of India’s broader commitment to shift to alternative fuels and reduce its dependence on imports ultimately aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

CONCLUSION

India's steadfast commitment to sustainable energy through ethanol blending exemplifies a visionary approach towards mitigating climate change, fostering economic growth, and ensuring energy security. In essence, India's multifaceted strategy, encapsulating robust policies, technological innovations,mitigating both domestic and foreign challenges, economic development, and global collaborations, propels the nation towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. As a beacon in the global transition, India's journey signifies not only national progress but a collective step towards a greener tomorrow for the entire planet.

List Of Reference

1. Iea. Roadmap for ethanol blending in India 2020-25 – policies. IEA. Accessed February 7, 2024. https://www.iea.org/policies/17007-roadmap-for-ethanol-blending-in-india-2020-25.

2. Regd. no. D. L.-33004/99 - MoPNG. Accessed February 7, 2024. https://mopng.gov.in/files/article/articlefiles/Notification-15-06-2022-Amendments-in-NP B-2018.pdf.

3. Long term ethanol procurement policy under ethanol blended ... - mopng. Accessed February 8, 2024. https://mopng.gov.in/files/uploads/Final_Ethanol_Procurement_Policy.pdf.

4. Refining - ethanol blended petrol: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas: Government of India. REFINING - ETHANOL BLENDED PETROL | Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas | Government of India. Accessed February 8, 2024. https://mopng.gov.in/en/refining/ethanol-blended-petrol.

5. 1. Overview of alcohol production - NSI. Accessed February 8, 2024. https://nsi.gov.in/study-materials/Overview_of_Alcohol_Production_07042020.pdf.

6. Runge → M about CF. The case against more ethanol: It’s simply bad for environment. Yale E360. Accessed February 7, 2024. https://e360.yale.edu/features/the_case_against_ethanol_bad_for_environment#:~:tex t=Higher%2Dethanol%20blends%20still%20produce,damage%20they%20do%20to% 20engines.

7. Cavelius, Philipp, Selina Engelhart-Straub, Norbert Mehlmer, Johannes A. Lercher, Dania Awad, and Thomas Brück (2023), “The potential of biofuels from first to fourth generation,” PLOS Biology, [available at https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002063].

8.Net zero emissions target. Press Information Bureau. Accessed February 8, 2024. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1945472.