Ethanol Blending Program
India’s Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) is a key initiative aimed at reducing dependence on imported crude oil, improving energy security, reducing vehicular emissions, and boosting the agricultural economy. Below is an overview of the program: Objective Achieve a targeted percentage of ethanol blending in petrol to reduce fossil fuel usage. Create a sustainable market for agricultural produce like sugarcane and surplus grains. Enhance economic opportunities for farmers by using by-products of sugar production. Key Milestones 2003 : Launch of the Ethanol Blending Program mandating 5% blending in petrol in select states. 2018 : Government targets set to achieve 10% ethanol blending by 2022 and 20% by 2030. 2021 : The target of 20% ethanol blending (E20) advanced to 2025 due to program success. 2022 : India achieves 10% ethanol blending milestone ahead of schedule. Sources of Ethanol Sugarcane-based ethanol : Extracted from molasses and sugar juice. Grain-based ethanol : Produced fr...