Current Target
- India aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025, advancing the earlier deadline from 2030.
Why Ethanol Blending?
- Energy Security: Reduces dependence on imported crude oil.
- Farmer Support: Provides alternative markets for sugarcane, rice, maize, and damaged grains.
- Environmental Benefits: Cuts greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality.
- Waste Utilisation: Damaged grains and agri-residues are converted into biofuel, reducing agri-waste.
Sources of Ethanol
- 1G (First-generation): From sugarcane juice, molasses, broken/damaged grains.
- 2G (Second-generation): From biomass (agri-waste, crop stubble).
Key Stats
- Blending level in FY 2024-25: ~12% (as per MoP&NG)
- Bioethanol production units: Over 350 across India
- Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs): Procure ethanol via fixed contracts
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 2 – Government Policies & Interventions
- EBP supports Doubling Farmers’ Income goals and Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
GS Paper 3 – Environment & Economy
- Linked with National Bio-Energy Policy, Paris Climate Goals, and Circular Economy.
- Supports green energy transition, carbon neutrality, and clean transport goals.
UPSC Mains Question (Model)
Q. “Discuss the significance of India’s Ethanol Blending Programme in achieving energy security, environmental sustainability, and agricultural reform.”
Structure:
- Intro: Define EBP
- Body:
- Objectives (energy, environment, economy)
- Benefits to farmers
- Environmental gain
- Challenges: food vs fuel, water use, supply chain gaps
- Conclusion: Emphasize sustainable biofuel models and need for 2G ethanol
