India's Ethanol Blending Target Set to Exceed 20 Percent: Hardeep Singh Puri
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Synopsis
On February 26, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri revealed India's plans to increase ethanol blending with petrol beyond 20 percent, building on the existing 19.6 percent. This initiative aims to enhance biofuel usage as part of the country's commitment to sustainable energy.
Key Takeaways
- India aims to increase ethanol blending to over 20%.
- Current blending rate stands at 19.6%.
- NITI Aayog has formed a group to investigate further blending.
- All fossil fuel sectors to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.
- Assam to establish a 1600 km gas grid.
Guwahati, Feb 26 (NationPress) Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, announced on Wednesday that India is contemplating an increase in its ethanol blending target with petrol to exceed 20 percent.
During his address at the Advantage Assam 2.0 investment summit held in Guwahati, he mentioned that a blending rate of 19.6 percent has already been achieved.
"We will be exploring the possibility of blending beyond 20 percent of biofuel. A group from NITI Aayog has been formed, and they are currently conducting research," he remarked.
Union Minister Puri also emphasized that despite the developmental challenges faced by India, all fossil fuel production sectors are on track to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.
In addition, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted that the Ministry of Petroleum had previously announced plans to establish a gas grid extending from Barauni to Numaligarh, covering a distance of 1600 km.
"Although Assam contributes 14 percent to India's overall gas production, our local output can only satisfy 7-8 percent of the national demand due to the state's rapid industrial growth and the commitment to City Gas. Hence, the completion of the 1600 km pipeline and northeast gas grid has dispelled the misconception that Assam's gas is allocated elsewhere; we are instead importing gas from other regions of the country and internationally for Assam's development," he stated.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also noted on Tuesday that the government led by Prime Minister Modi has been proactive and effective in enhancing the development of Assam and all Northeastern states over the past decade.
This session was designed as a strategic platform to promote Assam’s role in India’s Act East Policy, with a focus on improving regional connectivity, fostering trade, and enhancing cross-border cooperation, thereby reinforcing Assam's significance as the gateway to India’s Act East Policy.
