Daily Current Affairs : 8-July-2023
In recent news, the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced that by 2025, 20 percent ethanol blended petrol, known as E20, will be readily available throughout India. This development aims to reduce the nation’s reliance on imported crude oil, contribute to a cleaner environment, and foster rural economic growth. Ethanol, a biofuel derived from sugarcane, has numerous applications and benefits. This essay explores the significance of ethanol blending, the government’s initiatives, and recent developments in promoting ethanol usage.
Understanding Ethanol:
Ethanol is a biofuel produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical processes like ethylene hydration. Besides being used as an alternative fuel, ethanol finds applications in medical settings as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is also utilized as a chemical solvent and in the synthesis of organic compounds.
Ethanol Blending Programme:
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government has initiated a series of reforms to enhance energy security, address climate change concerns, and boost the rural economy. The National Policy on Biofuels – 2018 lays out the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, promoting the blending of ethanol with petrol. Initially targeting a 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2030, the government has advanced this goal to be achieved by 2025-26.
Benefits and Importance:
Increasing the blending of ethanol with petrol holds several advantages for India. Firstly, it supports the nation’s ambitious target of reducing carbon footprint and combating climate change. Ethanol is a cleaner and renewable fuel source compared to fossil fuels, which aids in curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, higher ethanol blending ratios benefit farmers by creating a steady market for their sugarcane crops, contributing to their economic welfare. Moreover, the ethanol sector attracts significant investments and stimulates job creation, fostering overall economic growth.
Recent Developments:
India has made notable progress in implementing ethanol blending. In February 2022, the first E20 special fuel outlet was inaugurated, marking the beginning of a widespread adoption of this cleaner fuel. Currently, there are over 600 E20 stations, and the government aims to establish such stations across the country by 2025. These efforts are pivotal in expanding the availability of ethanol-blended petrol and promoting its usage among consumers.
Sugar-Ethanol Portal:
In a significant move towards renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched the Sugar-Ethanol portal. This portal aims to enhance the production and utilization of ethanol derived from sugarcane in India. By streamlining processes, facilitating information exchange, and encouraging collaboration between stakeholders, the portal seeks to boost ethanol production and maximize its benefits.
Important Points:
- The Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas has announced that 20 percent ethanol blended petrol (E20) will be available across India by 2025.
- Ethanol is a biofuel derived from the fermentation of sugars or through petrochemical processes like ethylene hydration.
- Ethanol has medical applications as an antiseptic and disinfectant, and it is used as a chemical solvent and in the synthesis of organic compounds.
- Ethanol blending reduces the reliance on imported crude oil and contributes to a cleaner environment.
- The Indian government has initiated the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme to promote the use of ethanol as a blend stock with petrol.
- The initial target was to achieve 20% blending of ethanol in petrol by 2030, but it has been advanced to 2025-26.
- Increasing ethanol blending benefits farmers, the environment, and the overall Indian economy.
- Ethanol blending supports India’s goal of reducing carbon footprint and combating climate change.
- The ethanol sector attracts investments and creates job opportunities.
- The first E20 special fuel outlet was opened in February 2022, with over 600 such stations already established.
- The government aims to have E20 stations available nationwide by 2025.
- The launch of the Sugar-Ethanol portal by Union Minister Piyush Goyal aims to enhance the production and utilization of ethanol derived from sugarcane in India.
Why In News
The Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas has recently announced a significant stride towards promoting sustainable energy in India. By 2025, the nationwide availability of E20, a 20 percent ethanol blended petrol, will not only reduce carbon emissions but also boost the country’s efforts to achieve energy independence. Additionally, this initiative will contribute to the growth of the ethanol industry, fostering economic development and creating new opportunities for farmers and ethanol producers in India.
MCQs about E20 Ethanol Blended Petrol
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What is the main objective of promoting ethanol blending in India?
A. Reducing carbon emissions
B. Increasing reliance on imported crude oil
C. Boosting the rural economy
D. Enhancing medical applications of ethanol
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What benefits does higher ethanol blending bring to Indian farmers?
A. Increased reliance on imported crude oil
B. Reduced market for sugarcane crops
C. Economic stability and market demand
D. Environmental degradation
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What recent development aims to enhance ethanol production from sugarcane in India?
A. Launch of a new Sugar-Ethanol portal
B. Opening of over 600 E20 fuel stations
C. Advancement of ethanol blending targets to 2025-26
D. Implementation of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme
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