PM Modi launches E-100 pilot project in Pune to promote bioethanol

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched an E-100 pilot project in Pune on the occasion of World Environment Day. The project aims to set up a network for the production and distribution of ethanol across the nation. An Expert Committee report, on the roadmap for ethanol blending in India 2020-2025 was released by Modi. The theme for this year's World Environment Day event is the promotion of biofuels for a better environment. Modi said that India has taken another leap by releasing a comprehensive roadmap for the development of the ethanol sector. Ethanol has become a significant priority of 21st century India. By 2025, the government has resolved to meet the target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol. Speaking on the occasion, Modi said that the earlier resolve was to achieve the target by 2030 which is now pushed forward by five years. Only 1.5% of ethanol could be blended in India on an average till 2014 which has now reached about 8.5%. Around 38 crore litres of ethanol were purchased which has now increased to more than 320 crore litres in the country in 2013-14. An eightfold increase in ethanol procurement has profited the sugarcane farmers of the country, said Modi. Image Source Also read: BCL Bio Energy gets clearance for ethanol production Also read: BPCL to focus on bio-ethanol, compressed biogas, hydrogen