Ethanol Fuel: A Key to India's Energy Independence, Says Renowned Scientist
Ethanol Fuel's Role in India's Energy Security
File image of Dr Raghunath Anant Mashelkar(Photo: @FreeEveryChild/X)
New Delhi, July 14: Dr Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, a distinguished scientist and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan award, expressed his support for India's E20 ethanol-blended fuel initiative on Tuesday. He highlighted that ethanol has already demonstrated its effectiveness as a transport fuel worldwide and can significantly enhance the nation's energy security.
Dr Mashelkar, who previously served as the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), pointed to Brazil's extensive experience with ethanol-fueled vehicles over the past 30 to 40 years as proof of its viability.
He stated, "Brazil has been utilizing ethanol for decades, which confirms its potential as a reliable fuel source." As a chemical engineer and Fellow of the Royal Society, he emphasized that increasing the use of ethanol and other local fuels would enable India to lessen its reliance on imported crude oil, thereby fostering energy independence.
In light of recent geopolitical tensions in West Asia, Dr Mashelkar noted that disruptions in global energy supplies highlight the urgency for India to expedite the use of domestically produced alternative fuels.
"Self-reliance is crucial. We must generate our own fuels," he remarked, cautioning that reliance on foreign energy sources makes nations susceptible to international conflicts and supply chain interruptions.
While advocating for ethanol, Dr Mashelkar also urged the development of additional clean fuel alternatives, such as methanol, dimethyl ether, compressed biogas, and biomass-based green hydrogen.
"My focus isn't solely on ethanol; we must explore all these alternative energy sources," he stated in an interview.
He further stressed the importance of biomass as a primary feedstock in India's transition to clean energy.
"Biomass, derived from solar energy, should be our main feedstock for fuel production," he asserted.
Dr Mashelkar suggested that degraded and semi-degraded lands could be utilized for cultivating energy crops like Napier grass, which can be used for producing compressed biogas and green hydrogen, without compromising agricultural land designated for food production.