Biofuels' Future Lies in Bio-Ethanol, affirms Gadkari
In the realm of renewable energy, India is making significant strides. The government's ethanol-blended petroleum programme, which includes the E20 plan, aims to blend all petrol sold in the country with 20% ethanol by 2025/26 [6]. Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari recently stated that the future fuel will be 100% bio-ethanol [7].
However, the E20 plan has been met with growing public discontent, particularly concerning its impact on older vehicle models [1]. The introduction of E20 fuel generally reduces fuel efficiency by about 1-2% due to ethanol's lower energy density compared to petrol [4]. Older, non-E20-compliant vehicles often experience more significant drops in mileage and some performance degradation because their engines and fuel systems are not optimized for higher ethanol blends [1][2][4].
Modern E20 fuel includes corrosion inhibitors to protect engine components, and standards like those from the Bureau of Indian Standards ensure material compatibility and corrosion safety [3]. However, older vehicles may face increased wear and tear, especially of fuel system components and gaskets, leading to engine issues if not properly maintained or retrofitted with E20-compatible parts [2][4].
The government has stated that safety standards are already in place to address potential engine corrosion concerns, particularly in older cars and two-wheelers [8]. For older vehicles, engine tuning, ECU recalibration, and replacement of vulnerable parts may be needed to fully adapt to E20 fuel [2][4]. Routine maintenance remains key to avoiding long-term damage.
The government's concern about crude oil imports is heightened due to increasingly unstable global geopolitics. India, with one of the largest numbers of vehicles per capita, only behind China and the United States, is heavily reliant on crude oil imports [2]. The blended fuel programme is considered essential given the US tariffs on India for buying Russian oil [9]. As of February this year, ethanol blending in India had reached 19.6%, and the 20% mark was crossed shortly after [5].
In the meantime, the government is also focusing on other sectors. Four semiconductor manufacturing units have been cleared with an outlay of Rs 4600 crore, but no further details about their locations were provided [10]. These units are expected to bolster India's technological capabilities and contribute to its renewable energy goals.
References:
- The Hindu
- The Economic Times
- The Times of India
- Livemint
- Business Standard
- The Hindu
- The Economic Times
- The Times of India
- The Economic Times
- The Hindu
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