What is the Ethanol Blending Petrol Programme

1. What is the Ethanol Blending Petrol Programme? Benefits of Establishing an Ethanol Plant Under this Scheme? Ethanol is an agro-based product. It can be manufactured from grains such as maize, broken rice, etc. or molasses (which is a byproduct of the sugar industry). During a surplus crop of sugarcane, its prices fall, thereby making it difficult for the sugar industry to make timely payments to the sugarcane farmers.

2. The Ethanol Blending Petrol Programme (EBP) addresses this issue by blending Ethanol with motor spirit. This has benefits at various levels including a reduction in pollution, conservation of foreign exchange and increased value addition in the sugar industry which aids them to repay the arrears to the farmers. Blending ethanol to a certain extent with petrol also benefits the environment as fewer fossil fuels burn while running vehicles. By 2025 all vehicles will be E20 (20% ethanol in petrol) material compatible, as committed by the auto industry. Steps Taken by the Government towards EBP The government of India has been implementing Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme throughout the country except for Union Territories of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands, wherein oil marketing companies (OMC) sell petrol blended with 10% ethanol. The procedure of procurement of ethanol has also been streamlined and made simple. A grid connects network distilleries to the depots of OMCs. A state-wise demand profile has been worked out. The central government has also waived excise duty on ethanol supplies to OMCs for EBP by sugar mills. In order to enhance the production of fuel-grade ethanol and also achieve blending targets, the government has allowed the use of maize and rice with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for the production of ethanol. ● ● ● ● ● The government has declared that rice available with FCI would continue to be made available to distilleries in the coming years.

3. The extra consumption of surplus food grains would ultimately benefit the farmers as they will get better prices for their produce and assured buyers. This will also increase the income of crores of farmers across the country. A price of ₹51.55/litre for ethanol from maize, and ₹56.87/litre for ethanol from rice available with FCI, has been fixed by the government for 2020-21. For Financial Year 2021-22, the price of FCI rice is ₹2000 per quintal. ● E-20 roadmap for India ahead: The E-20 roadmap laid down by Niti Ayog proposes the following milestones – Raise pan-India ethanol production capacity from 700 to 1500 crore litres. Phased rollout of E10 fuel by April 2022. Phased rollout of E20 from April 2023, its availability by April 2025. The rollout of E20 material-compliant & E10 engine-tuned vehicles from April 2023. Production of E20-tuned engine vehicles from April 2025. Nationwide educational campaign. Encourage the use of water-sparing crops, such as maize, to produce ethanol. Promote technology for the production of ethanol from non-food feedstock. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Benefits of ethanol blending

4. Ethanol contains oxygen and it can be burnt completely without emitting carbon dioxide. It is projected that the EBP programme will reduce greenhouse gases equivalent to about three lakh tonnes of CO2 emission per annum. Stubble-burning will be reduced to a large extent due to the use of stubble of post-harvest for ethanol production, thereby reducing air pollution, as well as helping increase farmers’ income. Using ethanol-blended petrol reduces pollutants such as Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbons (HC), and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx). ● ● ● ● Companies that have benefited from ethanol blending Ethanol is also known as flex-fuel, due to its biofuel nature. It is a less polluting and cheaper option than gasoline. Automakers like TVS Motors and Bajaj Auto have already begun producing flex-fuel engines for two and three-wheelers. Conclusion India has a great opportunity ahead of becoming a global leader in sustainable biofuel policy if it chooses to refocus on ethanol made from waste. This would result in strong climate and air quality benefits.

5. Ethanol blending of petrol is not only a national imperative but also an important strategic requirement for obtaining Environmental Clearance for your company and obtaining environmental clearance is not an easy task. You will need experts to guide you through the deadlines, someone to manage reports and paperwork, and most importantly, there are many steps involved in obtaining it. Pioneer Enviro is one of the leading Environmental Consulting Firms in India, and we have successfully assisted in obtaining Environmental Clearance for 750+ projects across the country. If you’re looking for a company that can effectively guide you with obtaining EC, then we’re here to help. We offer hassle-free environmental consultation. Contact us today!