The launch of ETHANOL 100, a revolutionary automotive fuel, was conducted by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs, at the IndianOil Retail Outlet M/s. Irwin Road Service Station. The initiative aims to transform transportation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Launch Ceremony Participants
- Key Figures Present:
- Shri Hardeep Singh Puri
- Shri Pankaj Jain
- Shri Shrikant Madhav Vaidya
- Additional Participants:
- Senior officials from MoP&NG
- Functional Directors of IndianOil
Vision and Significance
- Visionary Inspiration:
- Shri Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized that the launch aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision to shift from Annadatas to Urjadatas, signifying a transformation in the energy landscape.
- Revolutionary Potential:
- The minister highlighted ETHANOL 100’s potential to revolutionize the transportation sector and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Government Commitment and Achievements
- Reducing Import Dependency:
- The launch reflects the government’s commitment to reducing import dependency, conserving foreign exchange, and boosting the agriculture sector.
- Progress Towards Blending Targets:
- Progress has been made towards achieving the target of 20% ethanol blending by 2025-26, with E20 availability increasing to 12,000 outlets under a year.
- Impact on Economy and Environment:
- Ethanol blending initiatives have enhanced farmer incomes, increased rural employment, reduced CO2 emissions, and saved foreign exchange.
Oil Marketing Companies’ Role
- Frontline Efforts:
- Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have been instrumental in introducing various blends of ethanol with petrol across the country.
- Partnerships and Investments:
- OMCs have signed long-term offtake agreements with ethanol plants and invested in infrastructure to handle higher blending percentages.
Testimonials and Affirmations
- Secretary MoPNG’s Perspective:
- Shri Jain commended the shift towards sustainable technologies and manufacturers’ confidence in investing in ethanol-based vehicles.
- Chairman IndianOil’s Insight:
- Shri Vaidya highlighted the significance of India’s achievement in introducing ETHANOL 100 fuel.
Features and Benefits of ETHANOL 100
- Environmental Advantages:
- ETHANOL 100 offers lower emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants, aiding in combating climate change and enhancing air quality.
- Performance and Versatility:
- With its high-octane rating, ETHANOL 100 ensures improved efficiency and power output, suitable for various vehicles including flex-fuel vehicles.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- Who launched ETHANOL 100, a revolutionary automotive fuel?
- A) Shri Pankaj Jain
- B) Shri Shrikant Madhav Vaidya
- C) Shri Hardeep Singh Puri
- D) Senior officials from MoP&NG
- Answer: C) Shri Hardeep Singh Puri
- How many retail outlets across five states are offering ETHANOL 100?
- A) 150
- B) 200
- C) 183
- D) 100
- Answer: C) 183
- What is the primary aim of ETHANOL 100?
- A) To increase fossil fuel consumption
- B) To decrease reliance on ethanol
- C) To reduce import dependency and boost the agriculture sector
- D) To increase CO2 emissions
- Answer: C) To reduce import dependency and boost the agriculture sector
- What is the key advantage of ETHANOL 100 over gasoline?
- A) Higher emissions of greenhouse gases
- B) Lower octane rating
- C) Lower emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants
- D) Higher cost
- Answer: C) Lower emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants
- Which entity played a significant role in introducing various blends of ethanol with petrol across the country?
- A) Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
- B) IndianOil
- C) Ethanol plants
- D) Flex-fuel vehicle manufacturers
- Answer: B) IndianOil