The vehicles on road are ever-increasing and this is a thing of huge concern. The increasing number of vehicles on the road, exponentially increase the utilisation of fossil fuels. This is a big thing to worry about and is in desperate need to be looked after as soon as possible. That said, where electric vehicles can be considered the future they still lack the infrastructure, at least in India. Another alternative to reduce the consumption of fossil fuel is by adding ‘Ethanol’ to petrol. But are is there any significant advantage of adding Ethanol? Let’s find out!
What is Ethanol and Ethanol Blend?
Before diving straight into detail, first, let’s have a look at what exactly is ethanol.
Ethanol is an organic colourless compound that is highly flammable. For those who are not aware, ethanol is simple alcohol and has a very pleasant odour. (Also, it is not drinkable) So what is so special about ethanol?
- Well, all the fossil fuels are majorly formed because of the dead and decayed organic matter.
- Also, the process of fossil fuel formation takes a million years hence it is a non-renewable source of fuel.
- Coming back to ethanol, in India it is manufactured using sugarcanes. The process of making ethanol from sugarcane is called fermentation.
- Anyone familiar with organic chemistry knows that ethanol (C2H5OH) contains oxygen, hence it fares as a good additive to the existing fuel.
Depending upon the amount of ethanol present in the fuel, it is classified into many categories. Like if petrol controls 5% of ethanol by volume, it is called E5. Next, if it is 20%, you guessed it right, E20. Now, one of the most anticipated fuel-mix is the E85. This is the fuel that controls about 85% of ethanol by volume. It is also called Flex Fuel.
Read to know more: Flex-Fuel And Flex-Fuel Engine Explained
Ethanol Blend, Will it help?
The flammable property of ethanol makes it a perfect additive to petrol. Studies state that using ethanol in petrol will reduce fuel consumption in India.
- A thing to note is that India is the 3rd largest oil imported in the world. Meaning, if we reduce the consumption, naturally, this will also reduce the fuel imports.
- Meaning, petrol with E20 is likely to cost less than conventional petrol.
- And there are reports that say that using ethanol (E20) with petrol, will save India from $4 billion (₹30,000 Crore) annually.
- Not just that, ethanol in petrol also, reduce the number of harmful exhaust gases from the vehicle. So, it is indeed a win-win situation for the most part.
- So, to increase ethanol production, more sugarcane is required. This will also help farmers to earn a little more on sugarcane.
Update on ethanol-blended fuel
In 2020, to control fuel consumption the Indian government exclaimed to achieve the target of introducing E10 fuel by 2022 and E20 by 2023. But now, considering the advancements, the authorities have advanced the target. Now, they are targeting to achieve E20 blended fuel by 2023.
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- Meaning, there are high chances of many cars running on E20 fuel by 2023. Not to forget, conventional fuel will also be available. And also, cars running on conventional fuel will not supper E20 fuel.
- Aiding in the seamless process of producing E20 fuel, the government has put forward rules for many companies to set up ethanol production plants.
- With that, the authorities are also giving loans to sugar mills in order to increase the production of ethanol in their existing plants.
Related: Ethanol Fuel | Is It The Best Alternative Fuel For India?
What target are we looking at?
By and large, about 4 billion litres of ethanol will be required for E10 fuel and to achieve the target by the desired time.
- Naturally, the amount of ethanol required will almost be double when talking about E20 fuel. Converting it into numbers, 10 billion litres is the requirement.
- This means that the ethanol manufacturing units have to work in full swing. Provided there is enough supply of sugarcane.
- Now, this will also impact the sugar mill industry. Because about 6 million tonnes of sugar will be used to make about 7 billion litres of ethanol.
All in All, the idea of the ethanol blend fuel is super and it will have a drastic change in the Indian automotive Industry. What is your take on ethanol-blended fuel? Let us know in the comment section below.
Also, read 9 Reasons A Hatchback Makes Most Sense In The City
Interesting read: How Much Fuel Mileage is Good Fuel Mileage in India?
