Isobutanol Blending / Nitin Gadkari Says Centre Working on 15% Isobutanol Blending in Diesel to Reduce Import Dependence
·2 hours ago·2 min read
Key Points
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said the Centre is working on introducing up to 15% isobutanol blending in diesel, calling it a promising alternative to reduce crude oil import dependence.
New Delhi, Jul 4: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said the Centre is working on introducing up to 15% isobutanol blending in diesel, calling the biofuel a promising alternative that could reduce India's dependence on imported crude oil and promote cleaner, domestically produced fuel.
Speaking during the launch of India's first flex-fuel passenger vehicle by Maruti Suzuki India Limited on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 4, in the presence of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Gadkari said ethanol cannot be blended directly with diesel and the government is therefore developing isobutanol from ethanol.
"Isobutanol can be an alternative to diesel. We are also working on allowing 15 per cent isobutanol blending in diesel," the minister said.
Gadkari said testing of isobutanol has already begun for construction and agricultural equipment, while successful trials have demonstrated the fuel's viability.
"I have launched two generator sets running 100 per cent on ethanol and isobutanol. This proves engines can be developed to operate on these fuels," he has said.
Also Read: Indian Stock Market Climbs on Falling Crude, Rate Cut Hopes
Moreover, the minister has said the proposed diesel blending programme forms part of the government's broader strategy to promote alternative fuels, reduce fossil fuel imports and move towards energy self-reliance.
Besides isobutanol, the government's focus on ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), bio-CNG, methanol, biodiesel, LNG, hydrogen and electric mobility was also highlighted by the minister as part of India's clean energy transition.
He said that despite rapid progress in alternative fuels, India still imports large quantities of fossil fuels, making it imperative to diversify the country's energy basket.
Gadkari had urged automobile manufacturers to accelerate the development of flex-fuel technologies and explore the conversion of existing Euro-VI vehicles into flex-fuel-compatible models through authorised service centres.
(IANS)
Speaking during the launch of India's first flex-fuel passenger vehicle by Maruti Suzuki India Limited on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 4, in the presence of Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Gadkari said ethanol cannot be blended directly with diesel and the government is therefore developing isobutanol from ethanol.
"Isobutanol can be an alternative to diesel. We are also working on allowing 15 per cent isobutanol blending in diesel," the minister said.
Gadkari said testing of isobutanol has already begun for construction and agricultural equipment, while successful trials have demonstrated the fuel's viability.
"I have launched two generator sets running 100 per cent on ethanol and isobutanol. This proves engines can be developed to operate on these fuels," he has said.
Also Read: Indian Stock Market Climbs on Falling Crude, Rate Cut Hopes
Moreover, the minister has said the proposed diesel blending programme forms part of the government's broader strategy to promote alternative fuels, reduce fossil fuel imports and move towards energy self-reliance.
Besides isobutanol, the government's focus on ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), bio-CNG, methanol, biodiesel, LNG, hydrogen and electric mobility was also highlighted by the minister as part of India's clean energy transition.
He said that despite rapid progress in alternative fuels, India still imports large quantities of fossil fuels, making it imperative to diversify the country's energy basket.
Gadkari had urged automobile manufacturers to accelerate the development of flex-fuel technologies and explore the conversion of existing Euro-VI vehicles into flex-fuel-compatible models through authorised service centres.
(IANS)
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