India Must Surge to 100% Ethanol Blend to Combat Energy Crisis, Says Nitin Gadkari

India Must Surge to 100% Ethanol Blend to Combat Energy Crisis, Says Nitin Gadkari​

New Delhi, Apr 21 (PTI) Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized the urgent need for India to achieve 100 per cent ethanol blending in the near future. He stated that achieving this self-reliance is crucial given the energy vulnerabilities exposed by the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

Addressing the Green Transport Conclave, the minister stressed that becoming energy self-sufficient is no longer optional. Gadkari highlighted that India’s current dependence on oil imports necessitates a rapid pivot toward alternative and bio-fuels.

Tackling Dependency on Imported Fossil Fuels​

Gadkari pointed out the massive reliance India has on external energy sources. He noted that the country imports fossil fuels worth Rs 22 lakh crore, fulfilling 87 per cent of its oil requirement. This heavy import burden is not only economically challenging but also contributes significantly to pollution.

Consequently, the focus must shift drastically toward boosting the domestic production of alternative fuels. While the government successfully launched petrol blended with 20 per cent ethanol in 2023, the aspiration must now move toward the full 100 per cent blend.

The Roadmap for Biofuel Integration​

Currently, Indian vehicles can run effectively on E20 petrol, which requires minor engine modifications to prevent corrosion and other issues. Gadkari pointed to countries like Brazil as examples of successful 100 per cent ethanol blending models.

Furthermore, he addressed industry concerns regarding the implementation of Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency III standards. The minister clarified that these standards will have little impact on flex-fuel vehicles and electric vehicles.

Future Vision: Making Green Hydrogen Viable​

Looking ahead, Gadkari identified green hydrogen as the fuel of the future. However, he stressed that scaling this requires overcoming current cost barriers.

To make green hydrogen stations financially viable, the cost of running these facilities must drop significantly. He set an ambitious goal: producing 1 kg of hydrogen at USD 1 dollar to position India as a potential energy exporter. He also highlighted the potential to generate this crucial fuel from waste.

Building the Circular Economy and Auto Sector Advice​

The minister argued that a strong focus on the circular economy provides an avenue for creating more employment opportunities across various sectors.

While acknowledging the necessity of discouraging the use of petrol and diesel vehicles, Gadkari was cautious, stating that the government cannot force the populace to immediately stop buying these vehicles.

He addressed concerns about the transition by advising automobile companies to prioritize quality over cost. This focus, he asserted, will help the industry penetrate new markets and ensure a smooth transition toward greener mobility options.