Mixing of Sugarcane Ethanol with fuel to reduce dependency on Fossil Fuel
The first thing that comes to ones mind is the white grain sugar being poured in a cup of tea or jumping into endless of sweet delicacies. And yes of course some can't wait to gulp down a glass of cold juice in the scorching heat.
But this relatively cheap fibrous stalk is now contributing to renewable transportation fuel in India. Brazil is the highest sugarcane ethanol1 producer in the world with last year's production reaching 32.5 million Litres
What is Sugar Cane ethanol1 and how does it work?
Sugar Cane ethanol1 is an alcohol-based fuel produced by the fermentation of sugarcane juice and molasses which is clean, affordable and low-carbon biofuel and helps decarbonising transport when blended with gasoline or used in it's pure form.
Ethanol is blended with gasoline to boost octane ratings and reduce emissions. It can be used in it's pure form as well depending in the adaptability of the engine and the National policies and guidelines
Ethanol also reduces Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by up to 90% when compared to fossil fuels, performing better than any other liquid biofuel produced today on a commercial scale.
- In a press release in 25th August from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) the Indian Government encourages Sugar Mills to divert the excess to the use of Ethanol production which will be blended with Petrol to encourage green fuel and to save Foreign Exchange on account of crude oil import
- In 2020-21 Sugar season about Rs. 15,000 Cr. revenue was generated by sugar mills/ distillaries from sale of Ethanol to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)
Assignment for Readers: What Industry Sectors will be affected by this Policy in India and how?