GSIII: Science & Technology
Recent Development
India is set to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol ahead of schedule, enhancing energy security and cutting crude oil imports.
What is Ethanol Fuel?
Ethanol is a renewable biofuel made from sugarcane, grains, and molasses. Blending it with petrol reduces emissions, improves fuel efficiency, and lowers oil dependence.
Ethanol Production Process
- Fermentation – Sugars from crops like sugarcane and maize ferment using yeast.
- Distillation – The mixture is processed to extract ethanol.
- Dehydration – Water is removed for blending.
- Blending – Ethanol is mixed with petrol at different levels (E5, E10, E20).
Major Ethanol Sources in India
- Sugarcane & Molasses: 400 crore litres target by 2024-25.
- FCI Rice: Government cut prices to boost ethanol, targeting 110 crore litres.
- Maize: Expected to reach 350-400 crore litres, with distilleries using maize in the off-season.
India’s Ethanol Capacity & Blending Targets
- Current production: 1,600 crore litres, aiming for 1,700 crore litres by 2025.
- Blending levels: 15% in 2024, full E20 blending by 2025.
- Government policies drive expansion.
Role of Maize in Ethanol Production
- Rising Demand: Traditionally used for food and feed, now a key ethanol source.
- Production & Imports:
- India imported maize worth ₹100 crore (Apr–Jun 2024) and $188 million (Apr–Nov 2024).
- 2024-25 output: 42 million tonnes, with 9 million tonnes for ethanol.
- Sustainability:
- Maize requires less water than sugarcane, making it a greener option.
- Its byproduct (DDGS) is used as poultry feed, reducing food security concerns.
- However, excessive maize use for ethanol may impact food grain supply.
Challenges in Ethanol Expansion
- Feedstock Availability: Dependence on food crops raises security concerns.
- High Water Usage: Sugarcane and rice are water-intensive.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Storage, blending, and transport issues.
- Economic Viability: Raw material cost fluctuations affect profitability.
- Market Disruptions: Increased crop demand for ethanol may cause price volatility.
Government Policies & Initiatives
- Policy Reforms: Lower FCI rice prices, dual-feed distilleries.
- Farmer Support: MSP schemes and ethanol procurement policies.
- Biofuel Investment: Focus on second- and third-generation (2G, 3G) biofuels.
- Global Best Practices: Learning from Brazil & the U.S.
India’s ethanol progress enhances energy security, reduces emissions, and benefits farmers, but balancing sustainability with food security remains crucial.
MAINS QUESTION
Critically examine the sustainability of maize-based ethanol production in India. How can policy interventions balance fuel needs with food security concerns? (250 words)