New Delhi: It’s been months since the merits and demerits of ethanol-blended petrol have been debated, defended and disputed in India.
Before the controversy over the decision to introduce a 20% ethanol blending (E20) in petrol has fully died, comes the news that the government is now eyeing another major use for the biofuel.
According to a report published in The Economic Times, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is preparing a policy framework to introduce ethanol as a mainstream cooking fuel, alongside LPG.
India’s ethanol industry is facing a massive oversupply, with production capacity approaching 2,000 to 2,400 crore litres against a national demand of 1,450 crore litres. With a surplus of around 40%, the government is exploring exports and alternative uses. Cooking fuel is one of them.
The proposal envisages special ethanol-compatible stoves and fuel containers, specifically designed for the biofuel.
Two months ago, Union Road Transport minister Nitin Gadkari showcased an indigenous ethanol cooking stove, and claimed it can provide a clean blue flame similar to LPG.
If the proposal is translated into action, ethanol won’t replace LPG, but could emerge as an alternative clean cooking fuel for households, restaurants and commercial kitchens.
Potential benefits of ethanol as cooking medium
* Since India imports a significant portion of LPG, ethanol use could reduce reliance on imported cooking fuel
* Ethanol is produced from sugarcane, maize and other agricultural feedstocks. Hence, expanding its use could create an additional market for agricultural produce
* Instead of relying solely on the transport sector, ethanol demand could diversify into household and commercial cooking
* Ethanol burns with relatively lower particulate emissions than many traditional cooking fuels, making it an attractive clean-energy option