Gadkari: Research on 15% Ethanol Blending in Diesel Near Completion
OIL & GAS

Gadkari: Research on 15% Ethanol Blending in Diesel Near Completion

India's efforts to blend ethanol into fuel are picking up pace, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announcing that research on blending 15% ethanol in diesel is now in advanced stages. Speaking at the 12th CII Bioenergy Summit 2024 in New Delhi, he emphasized the critical role of ethanol in achieving India's green energy objectives and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Gadkari highlighted the significant increase in ethanol blending in petrol, which has risen from 1.53% in 2014 to 15% in 2024, with the government's aim set at 20% blending by 2025. He mentioned that Indian Oil has made plans to establish 400 ethanol pump stations, and automakers such as Suzuki, Tata, and Toyota are gearing up to introduce flex-engine vehicles. Additionally, he noted that ethanol bikes from manufacturers like TVS, Bajaj, and Honda are prepared for rollout as soon as the necessary infrastructure is established.

He also pointed out a shift in government focus from ‘knowledge to wealth’ towards ‘waste to wealth,’ indicating that over 475 CNG projects are in progress, with 40 projects already underway, many utilizing rice straw for CNG production. On the topic of bio-CNG, he mentioned that pilot projects are being conducted to convert municipal solid waste into bio-CNG, which could substantially lower raw material costs.

Gadkari urged the industry to seek out more efficient biomass sources and tackle transportation costs. He envisioned that fully integrating biofuel into the agricultural economy could elevate the agriculture sector's contribution to GDP from 14-15% to over 20%, ultimately transforming farmers into ‘Annadata’ (food-giver) and ‘Urjadata’ (energy-giver).

India's efforts to blend ethanol into fuel are picking up pace, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announcing that research on blending 15% ethanol in diesel is now in advanced stages. Speaking at the 12th CII Bioenergy Summit 2024 in New Delhi, he emphasized the critical role of ethanol in achieving India's green energy objectives and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Gadkari highlighted the significant increase in ethanol blending in petrol, which has risen from 1.53% in 2014 to 15% in 2024, with the government's aim set at 20% blending by 2025. He mentioned that Indian Oil has made plans to establish 400 ethanol pump stations, and automakers such as Suzuki, Tata, and Toyota are gearing up to introduce flex-engine vehicles. Additionally, he noted that ethanol bikes from manufacturers like TVS, Bajaj, and Honda are prepared for rollout as soon as the necessary infrastructure is established. He also pointed out a shift in government focus from ‘knowledge to wealth’ towards ‘waste to wealth,’ indicating that over 475 CNG projects are in progress, with 40 projects already underway, many utilizing rice straw for CNG production. On the topic of bio-CNG, he mentioned that pilot projects are being conducted to convert municipal solid waste into bio-CNG, which could substantially lower raw material costs. Gadkari urged the industry to seek out more efficient biomass sources and tackle transportation costs. He envisioned that fully integrating biofuel into the agricultural economy could elevate the agriculture sector's contribution to GDP from 14-15% to over 20%, ultimately transforming farmers into ‘Annadata’ (food-giver) and ‘Urjadata’ (energy-giver).

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

JNPA Becomes First Indian Port to Cross 10 Million TEU Capacity

The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), located at Uran in Navi Mumbai, has become the first port in India to achieve over 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in container handling capacity.With the recent expansion, the port now operates five container terminals with a combined capacity of 10.4 million TEUs, alongside two liquid and two general cargo terminals.Handling more than half of India’s container traffic, JNPA processed 7.05 million TEUs in 2024 and has moved 15.39 million tonnes of containers and 16.64 million tonnes of total cargo in the first two months of FY 2025â..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Nod for Rs. 36.26 billion Expansion of Pune Metro Line 2

The Union Cabinet has approved the Rs.36.26 billion expansion of Pune Metro Line 2, adding 12.75 km of track and 13 new stations to improve east–west connectivity across the city.The project aims to link Pune’s urban core with rapidly growing suburbs, supporting the city’s rising demand for efficient and sustainable transport solutions. This expansion is part of Corridor 2 of the Pune Metro and includes two key routes: Vanaz to Chandani Chowk (Corridor 2A) and Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi (Corridor 2B).It will connect residential, IT, and educational hubs in areas such as Bavdhan, Koth..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Assembly begins for ‘Nayak’ TBM on Thane– Borivali Twin Tunnel Project

The assembly of ‘Nayak’, the first of four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) for the Thane–Borivali Twin Tube Tunnel Project, has commenced at the Thane site. Built by German firm Herrenknecht AG and deployed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructure (MEIL), the TBM marks a key milestone in Mumbai’s ambitious 11.8-km underground road corridor beneath Sanjay Gandhi National Park.The twin tunnels will reduce the Thane–Borivali travel distance by 12 km and decongest Thane Ghodbunder Road. ‘Nayak’, with a 13.2-metre diameter, is designed to bore through challenging geological conditions ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?