Mixing 15% ethanol in diesel Research in progress, good times for diesel?
The Indian government is advancing research into blending 15% ethanol with diesel, according to Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways. This development is part of a broader strategy to increase the use of biofuels and reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels. The move follows ongoing efforts to achieve a 15% ethanol blend in gasoline during the current ethanol supply year, which began in November 2023 and will end in October 2024.
Gadkari shared these updates at the 12th CII Bioenergy Summit, where he outlined how the government is prioritizing ethanol blending initiatives. He emphasized the importance of building an ethanol ecosystem that supports the production and distribution of ethanol-based fuels.
As part of this vision, ethanol pumps are being ramped up in key states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The expansion of ethanol infrastructure aims to complement the launch of vehicles designed to run on this alternative fuel.
The Indian Oil Corporation has committed to establishing 400 ethanol pumping stations and discussions are ongoing with stakeholders, including major automobile manufacturers such as Suzuki, Tata and Toyota. These companies are working on flex-fuel engines, which can run on ethanol blends. Similarly, two-wheeler manufacturers like TVS, Bajaj and Honda are gearing up to introduce ethanol-compatible bikes, pending the establishment of the necessary fuel infrastructure.
At the same time, the government is also focused on boosting CNG production, particularly through projects that use biomass such as rice straw. More than 475 CNG projects are under development, with 40 already operational, mainly in Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. Gadkari highlighted the importance of optimizing biomass conversion processes to improve the efficiency of CNG production. Additionally, the government is exploring technologies to convert municipal solid waste into bio-CNG, with a pilot project currently underway.
These initiatives reflect India’s broader drive towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, aligning with its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy. The focus on ethanol and CNG highlights the government’s intention to diversify fuel options while supporting the growth of domestic biofuels industries.