Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, launched E-100 pilot project on the occasion of World Environment Day in Pune.
E-100 Project
This ambitious project was launched with the aim of setting up a network for production and distribution of ethanol in India.
Highlights
Prime Minister also launched ‘Report of the Expert Committee on Road Map for ethanol blending in India 2020-2025’. It was released in line with the theme of World Environment Day- “promotion of biofuels for a better environment”.
Ethanol Sector in India
According to Prime Minister, India has taken several steps for development of ethanol sector. Ethanol has become a major priority of 21st century India because ethanol has a better impact on environment and lives of farmers. In the line, Government resolved to achieve target of 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol by 2025. Till 2014, about 1.5 percent of ethanol used to be blended in India. Now it has reached to 8.5 percent.
Ethanol Blending
Ethanol Blending in petrol is being adopted by many countries including India in a bid to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions and reduce import burden on crude petroleum. Presently, bioethanol blending in petrol stands at 5%, which can replace around 1.8 million Barrels of crude oil.
Significance of Ethanol Blending
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Ethanol molecule comprises oxygen which allows engine to completely combust fuel. This result in fewer emissions and reduces environmental pollution.
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Ethanol, being a by-product of sugar industry, is a renewable source that leads to net reduction in emission of Carbon dioxide, Carbon Monoxide and hydrocarbons.