Ethanol Blending: India's Path to Renewable Energy

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari discussed the progress of ethanol blending in fuels at the CII Bio Energy Summit 2024. India aims to achieve 20% ethanol-blended petrol by 2025. Ethanol pumps, flex-engine vehicles, and utilizing biomass for bio-CNG are pivotal in this transition.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced significant advancements in ethanol blending at the CII Bio Energy Summit 2024. Current research is focused on integrating 15% ethanol in diesel, with a goal of 20% ethanol-blended petrol by 2025.

The minister highlighted efforts to build an ethanol ecosystem, including setting up 400 ethanol pump stations by Indian Oil and launching flex-engine cars by automakers like Suzuki and Tata. States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra are leading this initiative.

Discussing bio-CNG, Gadkari noted India's efforts to convert municipal solid waste into fuel, reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports. Addressing air pollution, particularly from stubble burning, through biomass utilization is a key focus area.

(With inputs from agencies.)