India Launches E20 Fuel Ahead of Schedule, Aims to Cut Carbon Emissions #shorts #upsc

The Indian government has launched E20 fuel, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, at the India Energy Week 2023, two years ahead of schedule. The launch is part of the country's effort to showcase its energy transition prowess and the fuel will be rolled out nationwide in phases. Ethanol is derived from agricultural products, such as sugarcane and maize, and blended with gasoline to produce a less polluting fuel that offers equivalent efficiency at a lower cost. The government's Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme, aimed at achieving a 10% ethanol blending average, has been successful and the target has now been advanced to 20% blending by 2025. This initiative will help in achieving energy security, reducing crude oil imports and transitioning to a low carbon economy, as well as enabling local enterprises and farmers to participate in the energy sector.