Context: 

Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs, launched ‘ETHANOL 100.

Background:

ETHANOL 100 fuel has the potential to transform our transportation sector and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

About Ethanol 100 OR E100:

1. Contrary to popular belief, E100 fuel is not 100 percent ethanol.
2. In accordance with specifications, E100 fuel includes 93-93.5 percent ethanol blended with 5 percent petrol and 1.5 percent co-solvent, which is a binder.
3. Currently, E100 is priced the same as petrol — Rs 94.72/litre in Delhi, Rs 104.21/litre in Maharashtra and Rs 100.75/litre in Chennai. However, with wider adoption of the fuel, E100 will definitely be cheaper than petrol or diesel since ethanol is cheaper.
4. In addition, the government’s keenness to provide a fillip to biofuels which help in crude oil import substitution is also likely to make it competitive in comparison to the conventional fuels.
5. Ethanol is made from agricultural feedstock, which also provides income to farmers, making them a stakeholder in decarbonisation of the economy.
6. E100 can be used as fuel in any flex fuel engine car. A flex fuel engine car is designed to run on a variety of fuels. It comes equipped with an internal combustion engine (ICE) which can run on petrol or ethanol or methanol, giving consumers choice at the point of sale of the fuel.
7. ETHANOL 100 stands as a cleaner, greener alternative, boasting lower emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants, thus aiding in combating climate change and enhancing air quality.
8. With its high-octane rating, typically between 100-105, ETHANOL100 proves ideal for high-performance engines, ensuring improved efficiency and power output all while minimizing environmental impact.