Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme
Context:
Recently, the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme is being condemned in Andhra Pradesh due to its increased environmental pollutions.
Relevance:
GS-03 (Environment)
About the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme:
- The EBP program began as a pilot program in 2001.
- The aim of the program is to increase farmers’ income by reducing the dependency on fuel imports and also to reduce carbon emissions.
- It was launched by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- The government has been implementing the EBP Programme throughout the country except in the Union Territories of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, wherein OMCs sell petrol blended with 10% ethanol.
- Currently, the program targets 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025–26.
Significance:
- It aids India’s ambition to achieve its Net Zero 2070 commitment under the Paris Agreement.
- It improves the country’s energy diversification and protects the country from the affects of global oil supply disruptions.
- It helped India reduce its crude oil imports by producing 1,600 crore litres (as of September 2024). It saved Rs. 1,06,072 crore in foreign exchange.
- The CO₂ emissions have been reduced by 544 lakh metric tons.
Environmental concerns:
- Threat to Water Bodies: The distilleries discharge vinasse, a toxic wastewater that pollutes rivers, depletes oxygen levels, and disrupts aquatic life.
- Industrial Pollution and Health Hazards: Ethanol distilleries are classified under the “red category” due to their high pollution index (60 and above). These industries release hazardous chemicals like acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and acrolein, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases and cancer.
- Environmental Oversight and Public Concerns: In Andhra Pradesh, several ethanol plants received environmental clearances without public hearings or proper emission assessments. Many are located close to human settlements, raising serious concerns over pollution control and regulatory oversight.
- Balancing Emission Reduction and Pollution: To meet the 20% ethanol blending goal by 2025, India requires around 1,000 crore litres of ethanol, with plans to boost production to 1,700 crore litres. However, increased ethanol production could escalate emissions, negatively impacting air, water, and soil quality.
- Water-Intensive Process and Resource Depletion: Ethanol manufacturing demands significant water usage, with grain-based plants consuming 8–12 litres per litre of ethanol. Sugarcane and molasses-based production further strain water resources, contributing to deforestation and industrial waste.
