Ethanol Blending in Petrol

23 Dec 2023 Ethanol Blending in Petrol

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ Ethanol Blending in Petrol”. This topic has relevance in the Environment section of the UPSC CSE exam.

GS 3: Environment

Why in the news?

As more than 100 countries committed to tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030 at COP28 in Dubai, India finds itself delicately navigating its ethanol blending target.

Background:

The ethanol-blended petrol (EBP) in India witnessed a significant rise from 1.6% in 2013-14 to 11.8% in 2022-23. However, the ambitious goal of achieving a 20% ethanol blending target by 2025 is facing challenges. Issues such as low sugar stocks in 2022-23 and the anticipated shortfall in sugarcane production this year have added complexity to India’s ethanol blending trajectory.

About Ethanol Blending:

Ethanol blending in petrol is a sustainable practice involving the mixing of ethanol, a biofuel derived from sugars, with petrol to create blended fuels. India, in its pursuit of energy security and environmental sustainability, has been actively implementing an Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP).

Common Blends:

• E10 Blend: Comprising 10% ethanol and 90% petrol, E10 is the standard blend used in ethanol blending.
• E20 Blend: A higher ethanol blend with 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, offering increased biofuel content.

Ethanol Production:

• Ethanol is produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical processes like ethylene hydration.

Ethanol Blending Targets:

• India initiated its Ethanol Blending Programme in 2003 to reduce crude oil imports, cut carbon emissions, and enhance farmers’ incomes.
• The National Policy of Biofuels 2018 set targets of 20% ethanol blending in petrol and 5% biodiesel blending in diesel by 2030.
• Reflecting commendable progress, the government advanced the ethanol blending target to 20% by the Ethanol Supply Year 2025-26, showcasing the success of the program.

Recent Achievements:

• In 2022, India’s ethanol blending program achieved a notable milestone, reaching 10% ethanol blending in petrol.
• The advancements underscore India’s commitment to sustainable energy practices and reducing dependence on conventional fuels.

Biofuel Association:

• In India, biofuels are predominantly linked to first-generation (1G) ethanol, derived from food crops such as sugarcane and food grains.

Benefits:

• Reduced Dependence on Non-Renewable Fossil Fuels:
  • Ethanol, derived from renewable sources like corn, sugarcane, or biomass, helps diminish reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.
  • India’s substantial petroleum imports (185 million tonnes in 2020-21, costing USD 551 billion) underscore the significance of reducing dependence on conventional fuels.
• Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
  • Ethanol’s oxygen content enhances fuel combustion, leading to more complete burning and reduced emissions of pollutants like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
• Improved Efficiency:
  • Higher octane rating in ethanol improves the octane level of blended fuel, contributing to better engine performance and efficiency.
• Boost to Farmer’s Income:
  • Ethanol production from farm residue offers a dual benefit by increasing farmers’ income and reducing air pollution associated with stubble burning.

Challenges:

• Food Security Concerns:

• • Lower sugar production projections (9% fall at 337 lakh tonnes for the 2023-24 marketing year) raise concerns about diverting sugar for ethanol production.
  • Adverse weather conditions, such as weak monsoons in cane-growing districts, may further impact sugar production, potentially turning India into a net sugar importer.

• Grain-Based Ethanol Transition:

• • The shift towards grain-based ethanol, particularly through organized maize-feed supply chains, raises concerns about food security.
  • There is a risk of diverting food grain cultivation areas for ethanol production, impacting the availability of essential food resources.

• Environmental Concerns:

• • Water-Intensive Agriculture: Cultivating water-intensive crops like sugarcane for ethanol production contributes to significant groundwater depletion, raising environmental concerns.
  • Agriculture’s GHG Emissions: Diverting crops from food production to fuel production increases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the agriculture sector, countering efforts to reduce emissions in the transport sector.
  • No Reduction in NOX Emissions: While ethanol reduces emissions like carbon monoxide, it does not address nitrous oxide emissions, a major environmental pollutant with detrimental effects.

• Challenge of Scaling Up: 
  • Balancing economies of scale with the energy needs and costs associated with biomass collection and transport poses a challenge in scaling up ethanol production.
  • The significant increase in ethanol production capacity (from 423 crore litres in 2019-20 to 947 crore litres in 2022-23) indicates a need for additional capacity (8-10 billion litres) to achieve the 20% petrol-ethanol blending requirement in 2023.
  • The non-implementation of amended provisions of the Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951, by all states poses a significant hurdle to ethanol blending in India. Restrictions on the inter-state movement of ethanol hinder the smooth operation of the blending program.

Way Forward

• Exploring Ethanol from Wastes:

• • India has a unique opportunity to position itself as a global leader in sustainable biofuels by redirecting its focus towards producing ethanol from wastes.
  • This shift not only promises significant climate benefits but also addresses air quality issues, as these wastes are often burned, contributing to smog.

• Addressing Water Crisis Concerns:

• • The evolving ethanol policy must be crafted with careful consideration to avoid driving farmers towards water-intensive crops, preventing the exacerbation of the existing water crisis in a country already grappling with acute shortages.
  • Given that rice, sugarcane, and wheat account for about 80% of India’s irrigation water, policy adjustments are crucial.

• Prioritizing Crop Production:

• • In the face of depleting groundwater, limited arable land, unpredictable monsoons, and declining crop yields due to climate change, there is a pressing need to prioritize food production over crops intended for fuel.

• Exploring Alternative Mechanisms:

• • To meet the primary goal of emissions reduction, it is imperative to assess alternative mechanisms such as increased adoption of electric vehicles and the installation of additional renewable generation capacity to facilitate zero-emission recharging.
  • Evaluating and incorporating diverse strategies will contribute to a comprehensive and sustainable approach to emissions reduction.

SOURCE: Explainer: How existing curbs may impact India’s 20% ethanol blending goals | Mint (livemint.com)

Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 23th Dec 2023

Q.1 Consider the following statements:

1. Ethanol is mixed in diesel to produce Gasoline.
2. In 2022, India’s ethanol blending program reached 30% ethanol blending in fuel.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: D

Q.2 Evaluate the significance of ethanol blending in petrol as a sustainable approach for India’s energy security. 

rishabh