The number of automobiles on the road is constantly rising, which is a serious issue. The use of fossil fuels is exponentially increased by the growing number of automobiles on the road. It is important to take care of this right away because it is a serious concern. However, even in India, where electric vehicles are still in their infancy, there is a shortage of infrastructure. Adding "Ethanol" to gasoline is another option to lessen the usage of fossil fuels. However, is there a substantial benefit to adding ethanol? Let's investigate!

What are pure ethanol and blended ethanol?

A highly combustible organic chemical, ethanol is colourless and organic. So, what makes ethanol so unique?

• Well, all fossil fuels were primarily created by the decomposition of organic materials.

• Additionally, the creation of fossil fuels requires a million years, making them a non-renewable source of energy.

• Returning to ethanol, sugarcane is used to produce it in India. Fermentation is the name given to the process of producing ethanol from sugarcane.

• Anyone who is knowledgeable with organic chemistry is aware that ethanol (C2H5OH), which contains oxygen, performs well as a gasoline additive.

The classification of petrol depends on how much ethanol is in it. There are various classifications. E5 is the name given to gasoline that contains 5% by volume of ethanol. Now, it is E20 if the percentage is 20 percent. E85 is currently one of the most anticipated gasoline mixtures. This fuel is responsible for around 85% of the volume of ethanol. Additionally known as Flex Fuel.

Will an ethanol blend be helpful?

Because it is combustible, ethanol is the ideal gasoline ingredient. According to studies, India's fuel usage will decrease if ethanol is added to gasoline.

• India is the third-largest oil importer in the world, it should be noted. Thus, if we cut back on consumption, fuel imports will logically follow suit.

• Meaning that E20 fuel will likely be less expensive than regular fuel.

• Additionally, studies claim that mixing ethanol (E20) with gasoline will save India $4 billion (about Rs. 30,000 crores) a year.

• Adding to that, the amount of toxic exhaust fumes from the vehicle is decreased by the presence of ethanol in gasoline. So, for the most part, it is a win-win situation.

• So more sugarcane is needed in order to increase ethanol output.

Ethanol-blend fuel

To reduce fuel usage, the Indian government said in 2020 said to introduce E10 fuel by 2022 and E20 fuel by 2023. The authorities have advanced the target, though, in light of the developments. Currently, they aim to have E20 blended fuel by 2023.

• By 2023, there is a good likelihood that many vehicles will be using E20 fuel. Not to mention, traditional gasoline will also be offered. Additionally, E20 fuel will not be supped by vehicles using conventional fuel.

• The government has proposed regulations for various businesses to set up ethanol production units in an effort to facilitate the smooth production of E20 fuel.

• Along with that, the government is lending money to sugar refineries so they may build more ethanol production capacity in their current facilities.

When referring to E20 fuel, it goes without saying that the required amount of ethanol will almost be doubled. In terms of numbers, the needed amount is 10 billion liters.

This requires the ethanol production facilities to operate at full capacity. assuming there is a sufficient supply of sugarcane.

Now, the sugar mill business will also be impacted by this. because 7 billion liters of ethanol will be produced from around 6 million tonnes of sugar.

Ethanol Blend Fuel In India

Many fuel-providing companies rolled out an E10 blend of fuel. For instance, in January 2022, Indian Oil Corporation started dispensing E10 fuel in many states across the country. This E10 blend consists 10% of ethanol and 90% petrol. Owing to the rising fuel prices, using an ethanol blended fuel, will also cut some of the cost of petrol.

Additionally, the Union Minister of India, Nitin Gadkari, also exclaimed about rolling out E20 fuel by April 2023. This would further reduce the cost of fuel in the nation. 

All the cars in manufactured post-2008 can run on E10. However, the are some changes to the camshafts, and ignition timing are needed to run these over on E20 fuel and above. 

Overall, the ethanol blend fuel concept is great and will significantly alter the Indian car industry.