Within the next six months, major automakers like Mahindra, Toyota, Hyundai, and Tata will introduce vehicles powered entirely by bioethanol, according to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. This development marks a significant milestone in India’s biofuel journey and aligns with the country’s broader goal of transitioning to sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. The move is expected to increase ethanol consumption, cut down carbon emissions, and support the agricultural economy.
Gadkari made this announcement during a special event celebrating Dr. Pramod Chaudhari’s 75th birthday. Dr. Chaudhari, the founder-chairman of Praj Industries Ltd., was lauded by Gadkari for his pivotal role in the global and Indian biofuel revolution. Recognized as India’s ‘Ethanol Man,’ Dr. Chaudhari has been instrumental in advancing biofuel technology. Speaking via video conference, Gadkari acknowledged Dr. Chaudhari’s lifelong commitment to biofuels, which has become a cornerstone of India’s sustainability and economic development.
The minister also stressed the broader societal impact of biofuels, suggesting that they could help transform rural India into a network of smart villages, reduce rural-to-urban migration, and contribute to India’s vision of becoming an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) and the third-largest economy in the world.
India aims to achieve a 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025 and is confident it will meet this target. The government is also in talks to develop a roadmap for further increasing ethanol adoption post-2025, following the successful achievement of the 20% ethanol blending goal.
To reach the 20% ethanol blending target by 2025, India will need around 1,350 crore litres of ethanol for blending and industrial purposes. This will require an ethanol production capacity of about 1,700 crore litres, assuming plants operate at 80% efficiency. As of September 30, 2024, India has already achieved an ethanol production capacity of 1,648 crore litres, with several states having surplus production capacity. For the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have issued tenders for 916 crore litres of denatured anhydrous ethanol, with offers exceeding 970 crore litres—surpassing the required amount. OMCs have allocated approximately 837 crore litres of ethanol to producers.
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