Context ( IE | TH ): After banning sugar exports , the Centre has taken the next step towards augmenting domestic availability , i .e ., restricting the diversion of the sweetener for ethanol production .
What is Ethanol (C2 H5 OH)?
Ethanol is 99 .9% pure alcohol .
It can be used as a biofuel .
It is naturally produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeasts .
It is also produced via petrochemical processes such as ethylene hydration .
It is mostly extracted from molasses (byproduct from refining sugarcane) and surplus food grains .
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP)
EBP was launched in 2003 with a 5% blending of ethanol in petrol .
It has a target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26 .
Objectives of EBP
Reducing import dependence
Savings in foreign exchange
Providing a boost to the domestic agriculture sector and associated environmental benefits
Advantages of using EBP
Energy security in the long run through fuel mix diversification .
Reduce the use of fossil fuels .
Reduce import dependence and self-sustainability in fuel production .
Doubling Farmers’ income by farm diversification ( Ashok Dalwai Committee ) .
Optimum utilisation of surplus food grains and damaged vegetables .
Reduction in pollution as EBP is more efficient and clean than normal petrol .
Employment generation through the introduction of new technology and infrastructure .
Byproducts like potash can be used as fertilisers , and other wastes can be used as animal feed .
Demerits/Challenges
Uncertainty in the production of molasses and food grains , as agriculture in India , is mostly affected by the vagaries of nature .
Policy Challenges: For instance , the current ban on the production of ethanol using sugar cane .
Diversion of food grains: This can threaten food security .
Poor mileage of vehicles: Since the energy content of ethanol is as low as 35% when compared with petrol .
Constraints of infrastructure , advanced technology and skilled human resources .
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme
The EBP programme was launched in 2003 with multiple objectives , including:
Reducing import dependence
Savings in foreign exchange
Providing a boost to the domestic agriculture sector
Associated environmental benefits .
Under EBP , India aims to blend 20% ethanol in petrol (E20) by 2025 .
Way Forward
Gear up State-wide support to eliminate regional disparity in production .
Feedstock diversification: Food grains have a better yield capacity to produce ethanol than molasses .
Single Window Clearance to eliminate approval hurdles .
Upgradation of vehicles for ethanol compatibility and improved efficiency .
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