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ETHANOL

1st October, 2024

Source: BRITANNICA

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context 

India has become the World’s third largest Producer and Consumer of Ethanol.

Statistics

The United States is the world's largest producer of ethanol, having produced over 15 billion gallons in 2021 and 2022. Together, the United States and Brazil produce 80% of the world's ethanol. USA mainly from corn and Brazil from sugarcane.

As on 30.11.2023, the ethanol production capacity in the country is about 1380 crore litres out of which about 875 crore litres is molasses based and about 505 crore litres is grain based. (Source: reply by Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in Parliament)

Read about biofuels: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/biofuels-27#:~:text=Biofuels%20are%20liquid%20or%20gaseous,stationary%2C%20portable%20and%20other%20applications.

Read about Ethanol Blending: 

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/ethanol-blending-in-india#:~:text=Ethanol%3A%20Produced%20from%20fermenting%20sugars,a%20chemical%20process%20called%20transesterification.

Ethanol 

Aspect

Details

Other Names
  • Ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol

Physical Properties
  • Clear, colorless liquid 
  • Boiling Point is 78.37°C 
  • Density is 0.789 g/cm³ (at 20°C)

Production Methods
  • Produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeast 
  • Synthetic Production is done through hydration of ethylene (industrial method)

Uses
  • Bioethanol is used as a renewable fuel for vehicles 
  • Main component in alcoholic drinks 
  • Solvent in paints, perfumes
  • Used in hand sanitizers, disinfectants 

Ethanol as Fuel
  • Bioethanol: Renewable fuel derived from biomass (corn, sugarcane, etc.) 
  • Blended Fuels: E10 (10% ethanol), E85 (85% ethanol) used in engines

Environmental Impact
  • Bioethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels 
  • Land use for biofuel crops can impact food production

Health and Safety Risks
  • Highly flammable liquid and vapor 
  • Toxic when ingested in high quantities, can cause alcohol poisoning

Ethanol vs. Methanol
  • Ethanol: Safe for human consumption in moderate amounts 
  • Methanol: Toxic alcohol, used as an industrial solvent and antifreeze

Ethanol in India

Aspect

Details

Introduction

Ethanol in India is primarily used as a biofuel and an industrial solvent. Its importance has grown due to its role in the ethanol blending program (EBP) to reduce oil imports and carbon emissions.

Ethanol Blending Program (EBP)

It was introduced in 2003 to blend ethanol with petrol to reduce fossil fuel use and dependency on oil imports.  10% ethanol blending (E10) achieved by 2022, aiming for 20% blending (E20) by 2025.

Top Producing States

Maharashtra is the leading state in ethanol production, with 2.68BL per annum. The other major producing states are Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka

Government Initiatives

Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana was launched in 2019 to promote ethanol production from second-generation (2G) biofuels. 


National Policy on Biofuels (2018) set the roadmap for ethanol blending targets and encourages the use of non-food feedstock.

Production Methods 

Molasses-Based Production: Most common method from sugarcane by-products. 

 Grain-Based Production: Corn and other grains are increasingly used for ethanol production. 

2G Ethanol: Utilizing agricultural waste.

Sources: 

PIB


PRACTICE QUESTION

Q:Evaluate the progress of India's Ethanol Blending Program (EBP). What challenges need to be addressed to achieve the target of 20% ethanol blending by 2025? (150 Words)

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