Approved 100 per cent ethanol fuel use to cut fossil fuel imports: Nitin Gadkari

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday announced that the government has approved the use of 100 per cent ethanol as fuel a move aimed at reducing Indias dependence on imported fossil fuels and accelerating the transition towards cleaner and alternative energy sourcesThe minister made the announcement during a press conference in Nagpur while highlighting key achievements of the National Democratic Alliance NDA government over the past 12 yearsGovernment clears regulatory framework for 100 per cent ethanol fuelGadkari said he had signed the necessary regulatory file on Saturday evening paving the way for the legal use of 100 per cent ethanol as an automotive fuel in IndiaLast night at 8 pm I signed the file finalising the regulations to legally authorise the use of 100 per cent ethanol the minister saidThe decision is expected to support the governments broader efforts to reduce crude oil imports improve energy security and promote cleaner fuel alternativesEthanol seen as alternative to petrolThe minister reiterated his longstanding support for ethanol as a viable substitute for conventional fossil fuelsAccording to Gadkari widespread adoption of ethanolbased fuels could significantly reduce Indias fuel import bill which currently accounts for a substantial portion of the countrys import expenditureRecalling earlier discussions on the subject he said the idea of largescale ethanol adoption had initially been met with scepticismI used to talk about this dream and people used to laugh Some friends even used to criticise it Gadkari remarkedHe added that technological advancements and growing industry participation have now made ethanolpowered mobility a realistic optionAutomakers preparing to launch ethanolcompatible vehiclesGadkari said several leading automobile manufacturers are preparing to introduce vehicles capable of running on 100 per cent ethanol fuelAccording to the minister companies including Toyota Suzuki MG and Hyundai are expected to launch ethanolcompatible models within the next six weeksThe rollout of such vehicles is likely to play a crucial role in the adoption of ethanol fuel as conventional petrol vehicles are generally not designed to operate on pure ethanolIndustry experts believe the availability of flexfuel and ethanolcompatible vehicles will be essential for the success of the governments alternative fuel strategyEthanol blending targets achieved ahead of scheduleThe announcement comes shortly after the government introduced E85 fuel for flexfuel vehicles designed to operate on higher ethanol blendsUnion Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently highlighted Indias progress in ethanol blending stating that the country has surpassed its targets ahead of scheduleAccording to Puri ethanol blending in petrol increased from 15 per cent in 2014 to 10 per cent by November 2022 The governments target of achieving 20 per cent ethanol blending by 2030 was accomplished six years ahead of schedule in 2024Officials have described the achievement as a significant milestone in Indias efforts to reduce reliance on imported crude oil and lower carbon emissionsIndustry consultations continue on alternative fuelsPuri said the government is continuing discussions with automobile manufacturers and industry bodies regarding the expansion of ethanolbased fuel infrastructureHe noted that consultations are being held with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers SIAM and other stakeholders to facilitate the wider adoption of ethanolcompatible technologiesThe recent introduction of E85 fuel marks another step in that direction However officials have clarified that E85 fuel can currently be used only in vehicles specifically designed to operate on such fuel blendsPush for cleaner and domestically produced energyThe Centre views ethanol as a key component of its longterm strategy to diversify energy sources reduce emissions and support domestic agricultural productionEthanol is primarily produced from agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane and maize providing an additional source of income for farmers while contributing to energy securityWith the approval of 100 per cent ethanol fuel and the expected launch of compatible vehicles the government hopes to accelerate the shift towards alternative fuels and reduce Indias dependence on imported petroleum products in the coming yearsWith inputs from IANS