India's ambitious biofuel program, particularly the push for ethanol-blended petrol, has yielded significant economic and environmental benefits, but it's also stirring concerns among vehicle owners and experts alike. The country achieved its target of 20% ethanol blending with petrol (E20) ahead of schedule, a move seen as a game-changer for reducing carbon emissions and reliance on oil imports.
Since 2014, India's ethanol blending program has helped cut 69.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and saved 1.36 trillion rupees ($1.5 billion) in foreign exchange. The government cites even larger savings of 1.06 trillion Rupees ($12.09 billion) in crude oil imports and avoidance of 54.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions over the decade. This is equivalent to the emissions from 12 million petrol cars a year. By utilizing biofuels, India aims to enhance energy security, improve public health, and gain strategic autonomy in a world grappling with geopolitical conflicts and climate crises.
However, the rapid transition to E20 fuel has faced a backlash from consumers. Many vehicle owners are complaining about reduced mileage and potential engine damage, as a large number of vehicles on Indian roads are not E20-compatible. Ethanol has a lower energy density than petrol and is more corrosive, which can lead to lower fuel efficiency and increased wear and tear on certain vehicle parts. Concerns grew after an Indian insurer stated that engine damage from using the wrong fuel would not be covered by insurance.
Experts emphasize ethanol's hygroscopic nature, meaning it attracts and retains water. This can cause corrosion in the fuel system components like piping, fuel tank, injectors, filters, and combustion chambers. Water accumulation in the fuel tank can lead to rust, which then clogs the fuel line and further reduces mileage. While the government suggests that replacing older rubber parts and gaskets for non-blended fuel is inexpensive, the long-term maintenance costs and the lack of insurance coverage for incompatible vehicles remain major concerns for consumers.
There are also worries about food security. To ramp up ethanol production, India has been diverting sugarcane, maize, and rice production for fuel, which reduces the availability of these crops for food and animal feed. This diversion of land and resources from food crops raises concerns about potential impacts on food security, especially as global warming is projected to stagnate crop yields worldwide.
Despite these challenges, the Indian government remains committed to promoting biofuels, viewing them as crucial for achieving energy independence and reducing the carbon footprint. The focus is also shifting towards using alternative sources like used cooking oil (UCO) for biodiesel blending. The눴 government launched the RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) initiative in 2019, and is also promoting the production of 2G ethanol from cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials.
To address the concerns of vehicle owners, some experts suggest offering consumers more choices at the pump, including lower ethanol blends for older vehicles. Large-scale independent testing could also help to ease mistrust and provide clarity on the impact of E20 fuel on different vehicle types. Looking ahead, India needs to balance its biofuel ambitions with food security considerations and ensure a sustainable supply of raw materials. Incentivizing a reduction in sugar cultivation and promoting more sustainable biofuels like 2G ethanol are crucial steps in this direction.
