Context

The Prime Minister is going to launch 20% ethanol gasoline named ‘E20’, unveiling a solar and conventional energy-powered cooking system to celebrate the India Energy Week in Bengaluru.

About E20 fuel:

• The number "20" in "E20" refers to the percentage of ethanolin the gasoline blend.
• Simply put, the higher the number, the higher the percentage of Ethanol in the gasoline.
• India's current ethanol-to-petroleum mix is 10%,the highest it has ever been.
• Because it is made from biomass, ethanol does not require crude oil.
• Ethanol is primarily produced from crops such as corn and sugarcane.
• India already produces significant quantities of grain and sugarcane. It may allow automobiles to use a higher proportion of Ethanol.

What is ethanol blending? 

• Naturally Produced- Ethanol is a biofuel, naturally produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or by petrochemical processes like ethylene hydration.
• Derived from agricultural products- In ethanol blending, a blended motor fuel containing ethyl alcohol derived from agricultural products is blended with petrol specifically.
• High in oxygen content- Ethanol is high in oxygen content, allowing an engine to more thoroughly combust fuel.

Advantages of E20 fuel:

• Biofuel is gaining popularity because it has the potential to significantly reduce pollution if used on a large enough scale.
• Imports meet approximately 85% of India's fuel needs. In India, using petrol with a 20% ethanol blend would result in significant cost savings for the country.
• New jobs will be created in the original equipment manufacturing (OEM), component supplier, and aftermarket service provider sectors.
• The Indian government believes achieving its 20% ethanol in gasoline target will benefit the country's agricultural industry. The government claims that these measures will increase farmer income.

Present utilisation of E20 Fuels in India:

• India's Creta, Venue, and Alcazar SUVsfrom Hyundai Motor are said to be capable of running on E20 gasoline as of the 2023 MY model year.
• Tata Motors debuted two new turbocharged petrol enginesat the Auto Expo 2023. (1.2-litre and 1.5-litre).
• Tata has stated that its vehicles longer than 4 metres will soon be equipped with E20 fuel-compatible engines.
• By April 2023, similar developments are planned for vehicles manufactured by Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Kia, and others.