India’s green push for second-generation bioethanol

Ethanol is stealing the spotlight in today’s news. Have you noticed the vibrant green E20 sticker proudly adorning your newly purchased two-wheeler? I certainly have! But what does it signify? Why is the government so determined to promote its usage?

The E20 green sticker signifies the compatibility of your vehicle with a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% gasoline. Let me enlighten you with why, what and how.

Second-generation bioethanol is a type of biofuel made from non-food feedstocks such as agricultural waste, forest residues, and energy crops. Unlike first-generation bioethanol, which is made from food-based crops such as corn and sugarcane, second-generation bioethanol does not compete with food production and can utilize waste materials that would otherwise be burned or left to degrade.

The rate of energy consumption is increasing at an alarming pace worldwide, and India, being at its prime, is experiencing a surge in energy demand. Factors like population growth, urbanization, and various other factors contribute to this ever-increasing demand for energy.

In order to address these challenges, the adoption of biofuels, such as bioethanol, offers numerous advantages. Not only does it help reduce our reliance on foreign imports, but it also enhances energy security and mitigates carbon emissions.

Fortunately, India is blessed with a rich abundance of biomass resources. The country produces a significant amount of agricultural residues, including rice straw, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, and corn stover. These resources, which were previously considered waste, can now be transformed into valuable feedstocks for second-generation bioethanol production. So, why not use it the way it deserves?

In order to promote the use of biofuels in transportation and address the increasing demand for energy, the Indian government launched the National Biofuels Policy in 2018. This policy lays out a plan to increase the use of biofuels to 20% of all transportation fuel by 2030, with a specific focus on the production of second-generation bioethanol.

To achieve this target, the government has also introduced the “Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25,” which outlines annual plans to increase domestic ethanol production in line with the target of the amended National Policy on Biofuels (2018). Additionally, this roadmap is aligned with the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme, which aims to achieve a blending of 20% ethanol in petrol by 2025/26.

Roadmap source: The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that India will surpass China and become the world’s third-largest producer of ethanol by 2023, as the country’s policies promoting the use of biofuels continue to drive growth.

Also Read: Biofuels for a Greener India: Policies and Approaches to Encourage Adoption

The adoption of second-generation bioethanol in India faces several challenges. Firstly, the cost of establishing a bioethanol production facility can be high, and feedstock availability and logistics can be complex. Secondly, the bioethanol market in India is still in its early stages, and consumers may be hesitant to adopt a new fuel, potentially leading to slow adoption rates. Finally, the government’s target of 20% biofuel usage by 2030 may be challenging to meet, as this requires significant investment and infrastructure development.

Also Read: Waste to Bio-CNG: What role does the Indian sugar industry play in the transition to cleaner fuels?

Undoubtedly, India is having bold ambitions and determined commitment. Though adoption of this advanced biofuel faces its fair share of challenges, the potential benefits it promises are manifold. With continuous research, technological advancements, and collaboration between the government, industry, and academia, these challenges can be overcome.

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