The Indian government has announced that outlets of oil marketing firms across the nation will be selling petrol blended with 20% ethanol, known as E20. This development comes amid a growing trend towards renewable energy usage and reduced carbon emissions. In addition to the E20 initiative, a key highlight is the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The mission aims to reach a production capacity of five million metric tonnes per annum by 2030.
E20 Fuel and Ethanol Blending
Ethanol, an agricultural by-product obtained mainly from sugarcane processing but also from other sources like rice husk or maize, is now being used to blend with petrol. This practice, known as Ethanol Blending, aims to reduce fossil fuel consumption in running vehicles. E20 fuel, made up of 80% petrol and 20% ethanol, was introduced by India’s Prime Minister in February 2023 in Bengaluru. This pilot project already covers at least 15 cities and is expected to be rolled out nationwide in a phased manner.
Advantages of E20 Fuel
E20 fuel offers several benefits over traditional petrol. It lowers tailpipe emissions by decreasing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides levels. Besides improving engine performance and reducing maintenance costs, this eco-friendly fuel also reduces India’s crude oil import bill. With a successful E20 programme, the country could save USD 4 billion or Rs 30,000 crore per annum.
Challenges Linked to Ethanol Blending
While the E20 fuel initiative is laudable, it faces its own set of challenges. To achieve a 20% blend rate, approximately one-tenth of the existing net sown area would need to be repurposed for sugarcane production. This could affect other crops and possibly increase food prices. Capacity constraints of required bio-refineries and storage issues also pose significant challenges.
Introduction to Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen, produced by water electrolysis using renewable energy, is hailed as the cleanest form of energy. It emits no greenhouse gases when used. With ample renewable capacity, especially solar power, India is anticipated to become a leader in green hydrogen production.
Applications of Green Hydrogen
As a clean energy carrier, green hydrogen can be used in various sectors such as power generation, heating, and transportation, thereby reducing carbon emissions. Industries can produce green ammonia with this type of hydrogen, offering an efficient and carbon-free alternative to traditional fertilisers. In off-grid or remote locations where access to electricity is limited, green hydrogen can provide reliable and clean power.
Challenges of Green Hydrogen
Despite its potential, green hydrogen’s production is currently more expensive than that of hydrogen from fossil fuels. Setting up Infrastructure for green hydrogen, including production, storage, and transportation, is a significant challenge. Other areas of concern include the large amounts of land, water, and renewable energy required for production and the low overall energy efficiency of the process.
The Way Forward
To overcome these barriers and drive the adoption of E20 and Green Hydrogen, supportive policies, technological advancements, and increased public awareness and acceptance are needed. The Indian government needs to formulate and implement policies that incentivise ethanol production, blending, and use along with the development of green hydrogen. For the latter, advancements in electrolyzer technologies, storage systems, and efficient conversion processes are crucial to reducing costs and improving efficiencies. Additionally, educating consumers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers about these solutions’ potential contribution to decarbonization can drive acceptance and demand.
UPSC Civil Services Examination and Energy-related Questions
Questions related to energy crops, raw materials for biofuel production, and the role of green hydrogen in decarbonizing industries have featured in previous years’ UPSC Civil Services Examination. This indicates the increasing importance of renewable energy sources and the need for future civil servants to understand such matters.