15% ethanol blending in diesel research underway, good times ahead for diesel?
The Indian government is progressing with research on blending 15% ethanol with diesel, according to Nitin Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways. This development comes as part of the broader strategy to increase the use of biofuels and reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels. The move follows ongoing efforts to achieve a 15% ethanol blend in petrol during the current ethanol supply year, which started in November 2023 and will conclude in October 2024.
Gadkari shared these updates at the 12th CII Bioenergy Summit, where he outlined how the government is prioritising ethanol blending initiatives. He stressed the importance of building an ethanol ecosystem that would support the production and distribution of ethanol-based fuels.
As part of this vision, ethanol pumps are being fast-tracked in key states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The expansion of ethanol infrastructure is aimed at complementing the launch of vehicles designed to run on this alternative fuel.
Indian Oil Corporation has committed to establishing 400 ethanol pump stations and discussions are ongoing with stakeholders, including major automakers 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 preparing to introduce ethanol-compatible bikes, pending the establishment of the necessary fuel infrastructure.
In parallel, the government is also focused on boosting CNG production, particularly through projects that use biomass such as rice straw. Over 475 CNG projects are in development, with 40 already operational, mainly in Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. Gadkari highlighted the importance of optimising 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 push towards cleaner, 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 intent to diversify fuel options while supporting the growth of domestic biofuel industries.