Explain the key challenges for India’s energy security. What measures do you suggest for ensuring energy security along with economic growth and sustainability ?

Role of Ethanol Blending programme in Energy Security

1. Alternative Fuel Option:-

i) Blended fuel having higher cetane level leading to efficiency of engine

ii) Promotion of flex fuel vehicle leading to energy security

1. Reduced Import Dependence :-

i) Oil imports can be reduced helping in reduced burden and dependency

ii) Indigenous utilisation of ethanol for fuel option

1. Tackling climate Change

i) Reduced CO2 emission in blended petrol :- indirectly related with energy security

ii) Utilisation in emission positive areas eg Transport sector

Challenges with respect to Ethanol Blended programme

1. Readiness of Market :- lack of E20 compatible engine. Dominance of E10 engine in market.

2. Lack of Technology :- for electrolysis and pyrolysis :- dependency on foreign providers.

3. lack of utilisation of organic crops for ethanol production.

4. efficiency of E20 engines :- Question in news reports and scientific studies.

Way forward

-> 1) E20 as a transition towards Green Economy.

-> 2) Alternative fuels like Green Hydrogen in complementing efforts.

-> 3) private players in manufacturing of E20 fuel engines.