India mulls making ethanol blending mandatory

The Economic Times reported that India’s New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah has expressed concern over oil lobbies against the use of ethanol blending. During the Bio-Energy Summit 2011 organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the minister discussed the government’s plan regarding ethanol blending. He said, “We are thinking of making ethanol blending mandatory in the National Bio Energy Mission.” He added, “We hope to make this mission as successful as the national solar mission, and for this, we need to tackle issues like lack of business model, obsolete technology, awareness and connectivity in rural areas, etc.” But Pramod Chaudhari, co-chairman, CII National Committee on Renewable Energy and chairman of Praj Industries Ltd., said, “Government needs to facilitate incentives, provide tariffs, develop bio-mass depots and give priority to green fuels.” India will launch its National Bio-energy Mission during its 12th year plan period, from 2012-2017. Its aim is to provide large-scale capital investments in biomass-fired power stations with policies and regulatory support, and promote the use of bio-fuels. (November 30, 2011)