Context

• To promote biofuel production, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched 'Ethanol 100' from Indian Oil (IOCL) outlet in New Delhi.

Key Points

• It is noteworthy that E-20 fuel is already available at 12,000 outlets in the country.
• IOCL's 183 retail outlets will sell the E100.
• The sale of E100 will start at 400 outlets by April 15.
• In these, sales will be started from 100-100 petrol pumps in Maharashtra, UP, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• Through the above efforts the country has successfully achieved ethanol blending rate of 11.60% by the end of February for the current Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2023-24.
• There is every possibility of India achieving the target of 20 percent ethanol blending in time in the coming times.

What is ethanol?

• Ethanol is known as ethyl alcohol. It is a biofuel.
• It is prepared from plant materials of maize, sugarcane, wheat and agri crops.
• It is produced through a fermentation process, which converts sugar into alcohol by the action of molecular yeast or other microorganisms.
• Ethanol 100 is a mixture of 92-94 percent ethanol, 4-5 percent motor spirit and 1.5 percent co-solvent higher saturated alcohol.
• It is a more Environment friendly fuel option than traditional petrol.
• This fuel produces less emissions of greenhouse gases, which helps reduce the effects of climate change and improve air pollution.
• Ethanol 100 is also good for vehicles. It improves the engine efficiency of vehicles.

Benefits received from ethanol blending

• During the last 10 years, these ethanol blending initiatives have resulted in additional income for farmers.
• Apart from this, rural employment has increased.
• From an environmental point of view, the reduction in carbon dioxide is equivalent to planting 1.75 crore trees.
• Besides, through this a total saving of foreign exchange of Rs 85,000 crore has also been possible.