Ethanol 100

Ethanol 100

News: Recently, The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas launched ‘ETHANOL 100’ at select 183 retail outlets inMaharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.

What is Ethanol?
 Ethanol is a colorless liquid with a characteristic wine-like odor and a pungent taste.
 It is volatile and flammable.
 Ethanol is naturally produced through the fermentation process of sugars by yeasts. It is the primary component in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and brandy. It can also be produced via petrochemical processes, such as ethylene hydration.

What is Ethanol 100?
 Ethanol 100, also known as E100 fuel, is a revolutionary automotive fuel recently launched by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in India.
 Ethanol 100 is a blend of: 92-94% ethanol, 4-5% motor spirit (petrol) and 1.5% co-solvent higher saturated alcohol.

Significance:
 It significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 63% compared to conventional gasoline. Ethanol 100 contributes to combating climate change and improving air quality.
 With its high-octane rating (typically between 100-105), Ethanol 100 is well-suited for high-performance engines. It ensures improved efficiency and power output while minimizing environmental impact.
 The adoption of Ethanol 100 leads to substantial savings in foreign exchange. It aligns with the government’s commitment to reduce import dependency and boost the agriculture sector.
 Ethanol 100 can be used in various vehicles, including flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) that are designed to run on gasoline, ethanol, or any blend of the two. This versatility makes it a practical and feasible option for mainstream adoption, provided the necessary infrastructure is in place to support its distribution and use.
 The introduction of Ethanol 100 reflects the government’s vision to transform “Annadatas” (food providers) to “Urjadatas” (energy providers). It is a significant step towards achieving the target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025-26.