In a groundbreaking development, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs, has heralded the launch of ‘ETHANOL 100’, a pioneering automotive fuel.
The launch took place at the esteemed Indian Oil Retail Outlet, M/s. Irwin Road Service Station.
Effective immediately, customers can access ETHANOL 100 at designated 183 retail outlets spanning five states: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.
This introduction marks a significant step forward in the quest for alternative fuels and underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation in the energy sector.
At the unveiling of this groundbreaking fuel, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized its significance, stating that the launch of ETHANOL 100 is a testament to the PM’s visionary goal of transforming ‘Annadatas’ into ‘Urjadatas’.
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Describing it as a revolutionary fuel, the Minister highlighted its potential to revolutionize the transportation sector and diminish our reliance on fossil fuels.
He underscored the government’s commitment to reducing import dependency, conserving foreign exchange, and bolstering the agriculture sector through initiatives like ETHANOL 100.
Since the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding E20 (20% ethanol blended fuel) in 2023, the availability of E20 has surged to 12,000 outlets in less than a year.
With the launch of ETHANOL 100 at 183 IndianOil outlets, the nation is on the brink of achieving the target of 20% ethanol blending by 2025-26.
Over the past decade, these ethanol blending efforts have not only bolstered farmer incomes and rural employment but have also led to significant environmental benefits, including the reduction of CO2 emissions equivalent to planting 1.75 crore trees, along with substantial foreign exchange savings totaling Rs 85,000 crore.
Shri Puri also highlighted the pivotal role of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in this endeavor, noting their introduction of various ethanol-petrol blends nationwide.
Moreover, OMCs have entered into long-term offtake agreements with 131 dedicated ethanol plants, poised to add an annual production design capacity of 745 crore liters.
Additionally, investments in increasing storage capacity and allied infrastructure are underway to facilitate higher blending percentages.
During the event, Shri Jain, Secretary MoPNG, emphasized the transition to sustainable technologies, encouraging manufacturers to invest in ethanol-based vehicles.
This shift demonstrates a commitment to alternative fuels and addresses concerns over ethanol availability, bolstered by a robust ethanol industry.
He also stressed the importance of decarbonization, commending IndianOil for leading the initiative and ensuring the permanence of ethanol and flex fuels in India’s energy landscape.
Shri Vaidya, Chairman of IndianOil, highlighted India’s unique position as one of the few countries offering ETHANOL 100 fuel.
He described this milestone as a significant step in India’s journey towards sustainability and clean mobility, underlining the nation’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy transition.
THE CATCH
- ETHANOL 100 emerges as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional gasoline, offering reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants.
- This quality not only aids in the fight against climate change but also contributes to enhancing air quality in our communities.
- Boasting a high-octane rating typically ranging between 100-105, ETHANOL 100 is particularly well-suited for high-performance engines, promising improved efficiency and power output while minimizing environmental impact.
The versatility of ETHANOL 100 is another notable aspect, as it can be utilized in a wide variety of vehicles, including flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) engineered to operate on gasoline, ethanol, or any blend of the two.
This versatility underscores its practicality and potential to emerge as a mainstream fuel option, provided the necessary infrastructure is in place to support its widespread adoption.
