Renowned scientist Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar expressed his support for India’s ethanol-blended E20 fuel initiative, highlighting ethanol’s success as a global transport fuel. Drawing on Brazil’s extensive experience with ethanol-powered vehicles over several decades, Dr. Mashelkar emphasized the viability of ethanol as a fuel option.
Dr. Mashelkar underscored the importance of expanding the use of ethanol and other indigenous fuels to reduce India’s reliance on imported crude oil, thereby enhancing the nation’s energy security. He pointed out that recent geopolitical tensions in West Asia have highlighted the necessity for India to expedite the adoption of domestically produced alternative fuels to safeguard against global energy supply disruptions.
In addition to endorsing ethanol, Dr. Mashelkar suggested that India should explore various clean fuel alternatives such as methanol, dimethyl ether, compressed biogas, and biomass-based green hydrogen. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach towards developing multiple clean fuel options to meet India’s energy needs sustainably.
Highlighting the significance of biomass in India’s energy transition, Dr. Mashelkar proposed utilizing degraded and semi-degraded land for cultivating energy crops like Napier grass. This approach could facilitate the production of compressed biogas and green hydrogen without encroaching on land designated for food production, promoting a sustainable energy ecosystem.
