India’s newest Fuel: Ethanol 100

Ethanol 100

Ethanol 100, a new automotive fuel, has been recently launched in India by the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs on 15th March, 2024.

This cleaner and greener alternative fuel produces lower emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants, reducing environmental impact and contributing to India’s energy security.

What is Ethanol 100?

Ethanol 100 is a high-octane fuel with a rating of 100-105, making it an excellent choice for high-performance engines. Ethanol, the primary component of Ethanol 100, is derived from the fermentation of sugar-rich substrates or cellulosic feedstocks, such as sugarcane, corn, or agricultural waste.

Ethanol 100 is now available in India at select 183 retail outlets across five states Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.

Why is Ethanol 100 Considered a Greener Alternative?

Ethanol 100 is considered a greener alternative because it significantly reduces emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants, contributing to climate change mitigation and improved air quality. When compared to traditional fossil fuels, ethanol demonstrates substantial reductions in life cycle greenhouse gas emissions.

How Does Ethanol 100 Impact Engine Performance and Fuel Economy?

Ethanol 100 improves the efficiency and power output of high-performance engines. The high octane rating of ethanol 100 allows for higher compression ratios in engines, resulting in increased thermal efficiency and better performance.

However, Ethanol has a lower energy density compared to gasoline, which means that vehicles running on Ethanol 100 may experience a slight reduction in fuel economy.

What are the Challenges and Considerations in Using Ethanol 100?

To accommodate this high-ethanol fuel like Ethanol 100, vehicles need to be compatible or retrofitted. Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83% in India.

The Indian government has been encouraging the use of flex-fuel vehicles and possible retrofits for older vehicles, including two-wheelers, to increase the fleet capable of accepting higher ethanol blends

Additionally, the existing fueling infrastructure may require upgrades to accommodate the storage and distribution of Ethanol 100. Another consideration is ethanol’s hygroscopic nature, which means it readily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. This characteristic has implications for storage and handling, as water contamination in old vehicles can lead to phase separation and potential engine damage.

How is Ethanol Produced in India?

India’s ethanol production capacity, as of November 30, 2023, stands at approximately 1380 crore litres, with 875 crore litres derived from molasses and 505 crore litres from grain-based sources.

This capacity is distributed across various states, including significant contributions from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, which are identified as ethanol surplus states.

The government’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme aims for a 20% blending of ethanol with petrol by 2025, necessitating an estimated ethanol production capacity of 1700 crore litres to meet this target.

Ethanol production process

Ethanol production involves several stages, from feedstock preparation to fermentation and distillation. The process begins with the selection and preparation of the feedstock, which can be sugar-rich substrates like sugarcane or corn, or cellulosic materials such as agricultural waste.

The feedstock is then subjected to pretreatment, which may include milling, heating, and the addition of enzymes to break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars.

The resulting sugars are fermented by yeast or bacteria, converting them into ethanol and carbon dioxide. The fermented mixture is then distilled to separate the ethanol from the water and other impurities.

What are the Global Trends in Ethanol Adoption?

The United States is the world’s largest producer of ethanol, having produced over 15 billion gallons in both 2021 and 2022, and together with Brazil, these two countries account for 80% of the world’s ethanol production.

Brazil, in particular, has a long history of ethanol adoption, with a well-established sugarcane-based ethanol industry. The United States, on the other hand, primarily relies on corn as a feedstock for ethanol production.

Final Thoughts

By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality, Ethanol 100 can contribute significantly to the fight against climate change. However, the successful adoption of Ethanol 100 requires addressing technical and infrastructural challenges, ensuring vehicle compatibility, and developing a robust fueling infrastructure.

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