Flex fuel engines have an injection system that can operate with gasoline, with any mixture ratio of gasoline and ethanol, or with pure ethanol. Which means they are capable of running on 100% petrol or 100% bio-ethanol or a combination of both. Regardless of the supply, customers are supple when it comes to the choice of fuel and are able to respond to possible price developments immediately. Clearly flexibility with the choice of fuel is the key argument for buying vehicles with flex fuel engines. The market share of such flex fuel engines are high while other markets still show great potential to establish those systems. The main advantages of Flex Fuel Engines for Your Vehicle is resource saving mobility with ethanol as fuel. Flex Fuel Strong Hybrid Electric Vehicles (FFSHEV) basically houses an electric motor which powers the vehicle alongside the traditional petrol engine.
Dual fuel vehicle means the engine that uses two fuels (gas and diesel) together. Bi Fuel means the engine could run on either fuel but separately. On the other hand FFV is capable of running on either petrol or ethanol or a combination of both. Hence it is a combination of Dual fuel vehicle and Bi fuel vehicle.
How do flex fuel engines work using ethanol?
A flex fuel car looks just like any other kind of car. The main differences between the two lie with the engine and fuel system. Flex-fuels vehicles can run on regular gas, various ethanol blends and other types of fuel . Production of ethanol is mainly by fermenting agricultural residues. The main ethanol blends on the market today are E85 and E95, which get their names from their compositions. E85 is 15 percent unleaded gas and up to 85 percent ethanol . While E95 typically used in diesel powered vehicles is up to 95 percent ethanol. An engine that runs on regular petrol can also run on flex fuel which means any car with the spark-ignition engine can run on this flex fuel .
Components that comprise the fueling system of flex fuel vehicles are also crafted to be ethanol compatible. Otherwise higher water content of ethanol could cause rust to form and damage the fuel system from the inside out. Despite these different components, maintenance costs for FFVs are generally the same as for other vehicles, and sometimes are even lower, since flex fuels burn fuel more cleanly .
Comparison of flex fuel Vs gasoline vehicles
Apart from few differences, a flex fuel engine and a gasoline car have almost similar components.
Flex Fuel Engine
Battery: The battery provides electricity to start the engine and power vehicle electronics/accessories.
Electronic control module (ECM): The ECM controls the fuel mixture, ignition timing, and emissions system; monitors the operation of the vehicle; safeguards the engine from abuse; and detects and troubleshoots problems.
Exhaust system: The exhaust system channels the exhaust gases from the engine out through the tailpipe. There is a 3 way catalyst to reduce engine-out emissions within the exhaust system.
Fuel filler: A nozzle from a fuel dispenser attaches to the receptacle on the vehicle to fill the tank.
Fuel injection system: This system introduces fuel into the engine’s combustion chambers for ignition.
Fuel line: A metal tube or flexible hose (or a combination of these) transfers fuel from the tank to the engine’s fuel injection system.
Fuel pump: A pump that transfers fuel from the tank to the engine’s fuel injection system via the fuel line.
Fuel tank (ethanol/gasoline blend): Stores fuel on board the vehicle to power the engine.
Internal combustion engine (spark-ignited): Here fuel inject into either the intake manifold or the combustion chamber, where it is combined with air, and the air/fuel mixture is ignited by the spark from a spark plug.
Transmission: Transfer mechanical power from the engine and/or electric traction motor to drive the wheels.
Gasoline Car
Battery: The battery provides electricity to start the engine and power vehicle electronics/accessories.
Electronic control module (ECM): The ECM controls the fuel mixture, ignition timing, and emissions system.Similarly it monitors the operation of the vehicle, safeguards the engine from abuse, detects and troubleshoots problems.
Exhaust system: The exhaust system channels the exhaust gases from the engine out through the tailpipe. A three-way catalyst is there to reduce engine-out emissions within the exhaust system.
Fuel filler: A nozzle from a fuel dispenser attaches to the receptacle on the vehicle to fill the tank.
Fuel injection system: This system introduces fuel into the engine’s combustion chambers for ignition.
Fuel line: A metal tube or flexible hose (or a combination
) transfers fuel from the tank to the engine’s fuel injection system.
Fuel pump: A pump that transfers fuel from the tank to the engine’s fuel injection system via the fuel line.
Fuel tank (gasoline): This tank stores gasoline on board the vehicle until engine require it.
Internal combustion engine (spark-ignited): In this configuration, fuel inject into either the intake manifold or the combustion chamber. Then it is combined with air, and the air/fuel mixture is ignited by the spark from a spark plug.
Transmission: The transmission transfers mechanical power from the engine and/or electric traction motor to drive the wheels.
The Mechanism Behind Flex-Fuel Vehicles
The engine of a FFV is designed to run on more than one type of fuel .Usually gasoline or a combination of fuel is stored in the same tank . When you start the engine a sensor mounted in the fuel line can detect the percentage of fuel blend . The ethanol/methanol/gasoline ratio, or the fuel’s alcohol concentration and sends a signal to an electronic control module. The electronic control module then adjusts the engine’s fuel delivery control to compensate for the different fuel mixtures.The engine then delivers the precise amount of fuel into the engine via injectors. Rest, it works similar to a conventional engine.
In order to ascertain the exact proportion of gasoline and ethanol in the fuel tank the engine management parameters should set accordingly.The virtual sensor to helps in adjusting the fueling rate. Knowledge of the ratio between the two fuels is necessary because of the different parameters of the various fuels . Nowadays, physical alcohol sensors have become more common, especially in markets with challenging emissions and on-board diagnostics requirements.
During a re filling time the sensors check the fuel tank level sensor. This helps get an approximate value for the volume of fuel . Thereby use an algorithm to allow the EMS to calculate two approximate new values of the stochiometric Air Fuel Ratio( AFR ). And then it check that the fuel added was either gasoline or a combination. On restarting it monitors the O2 sensors and looks for a perturbation in their signal. Once when the AFR is swinging in the rich or lean direction it adjusts the operating parameters gradually until it locks on to the new value and the vehicle has been ‘conditioned’. Figure shows a representation of a sensor detection system. The initial swings to the new AFR is quite rapid, but an extended period of conditioning is necessary .
Since flex fuel engines are increasingly popular they are not a miracle solution. The good news is they enable us to consume fewer fossil fuel as plant-based bio ethanol is a renewable energy source. It also burns much more cleanly, which is great for the entire environment. But flex fuels get fewer miles than gasoline-powered vehicles. Also they can be pricier and there aren’t many gas stations selling E85. Higher blending of ethanol results in higher manufacturing costs which translates to pricier vehicles. Some engine parts especially those that come in contact should be replaced with a compatible product to avoid corrosion. Despite all these ,automotive companies say that they are ready to move with government regulations on ethanol blending of E20 by 2025. Government officials have said that many popular car making companies have agreed to make flex fuel engines in coming future.
Paddy straw is a central field-based residue that is produced in large amounts in Asia. In reality, it could theoretically produce 187 gallons of bioethanol from the total area if the technology were available. However, an increasing proportion of this paddy straw encounters field burning, and this improper management results in high fuel prices and air pollution. For the past 25 years, conservation farming has continued to evolve. There is now less burning and, therefore, less soil cultivation and increased crop stubble retention. This trend is growing because of the need to improve water use and protect soils from erosion. As climate change is a threat to development, there is a growing interest in alternative uses of agricultural remnants.
What is stubble burning?
Crop stubble is the straw and crown of plants left on the field after harvest. Stubble consists straw and chaff discharged from the harvester. It is also known as ‘residue’ or ‘trash’. Managing this agricultural waste is one of the complex tasks that farmers must be concerned with. Usually, farmers burn stubble to manage weeds and diseases and reduce biomass to make sowing better. This is no longer a good option, as many other alternatives manage the residuals.
There are primarily two types of residues from rice cultivation that have potential in terms of energy—straw and husk. Although the technology of using rice husk is thoroughgoing in many Asian countries, paddy straw, as of now, is rarely using as a source of renewable energy. One of the principal reasons for the major use of husk is its easy procurement, i.e., it is possible at the rice mills. Collecting paddy straw is tedious, and its availability is tedious during harvest time. The collection logistics improve through baling, but the fundamental equipment is expensive and buying it is uneconomical for farmers. So technologies should develop for the efficient use of a straw to commit for the high costs involved in straw collection.
Retaining stubble than burning or cultivating, protects the soil from erosion. It also preserves soil moisture and organic matter to retain crop production. This is mainly beneficial in dry areas or dry seasons. Stubble impact many things, including the passage of equipment, penetration, soil temperature, herbicide interactions, frost severity, pests, weeds and other problems. Burning is often used as a last way to manage heavy agricultural residuals. Stubble burning contributes to global warming to a great extent. About 39 million tonnes of paddy straw are burning yearly. In The Indian state of Punjab, rice farms burn about 7 to 8 million tons of leftover plant debris. Similarly, the total national annual emission for CO2 from crop residue burning is more than 64 times the total CO2 pollution emission in Delhi.
Why do farmers choose stubble burning?
Burning paddy straw residue has risen remarkably over the past twenty years. Despite the benefits of keeping the stubble, most of the farmers opt for heavy stubble burning for the following reasons:
Ease of sowing and better establishment of tiny seeds like canola.
To make the area most inappropriate for many types of pests.
To manage certain weeds, mainly herbicide-resistant weed populations.
Burning is the cheapest and easy way to remove stubble and control weeds.
Reduced reliance on agricultural chemicals.
Provides better weed control caused due to a more even spreading of herbicides and effective incorporation of pre-emergent herbicides.
Less nitrogen tie-up -Nitrogen tie-up in cropping soils is only a temporary constraint as the immobilised N will be released through microbial turnover, mostly later in the crop season in spring.
To some extent, it results in less frost damage to crops.
By completely removing the stubble, only less inoculum is required for certain crop diseases.
Harmful effects of burning
Atmospheric pollution and climatic changes:
Open stubble burning emits many toxic pollutants into the atmosphere, which contain harmful gases like methane, carbon monoxide etc. These gases contribute a lot to the formation of smog. Stubble burning emits delicate particulate matter at high levels, which concerns people’s health. These particles can get trapped inside the lungs, ultimately leading to lung cancer. Pollution from stubble burning significantly reduced lung function and was particularly harmful to people in the surrounding area.
Effects on soil fertility and agricultural production:
Stubble burning affects soil fertility through the destruction of nutrients present in the soil.t also raises the soil temperature to about 42 °C, thus displacing or killing the essential microorganisms in the soil at a depth of about 2.5 cm. Thus successive fire destroys the soil’s fertility, resulting in the reduction of crop yields over time, and therefore growers have to rely on costly fertilisers.
Effects on human health and mortality rates:
Many studies have established the vital role of air pollution in the rising health problems, especially among children, pregnant women, elderly persons, and people with pre-existing health issues. This hazardous chemical produced as a result of burning causes problems for skin and eyes irritation, severe neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases etc. Moreover, the first and primary target of toxic substances inhaled through the air causes respiratory system disorders, cancer, or even death in extreme cases. Continuous exposure to particulate emissions may lead to an elevated cardiovascular mortality rate.
Alternatives to burning heavy stubble
There are many valuable ways to manage stubble rather than burning it and causing pollution. Some of them are :
Growers should focus on cutting heavy stubble and using it after harvest. This helps to shorten stubble, retain soil moisture and accelerate decomposition.
Inter-row sowing allows stubble to be retained when crop rows are more than 22 centimetres wide.
Growers may need to review stubble management decisions each year.
Strategic removal of stubble-it is possible to lower stubble loads if they are likely to make problems with sowing, establishment or weed management. Legume and oilseed crops produce reduce stubble loads. Their inclusion in the rotation may help to manage the risk of stubble burning.
Grazing-Small mobs of sheep in large paddocks often only reduce stubble loads in parts of the paddock.
Bailing- It is possible to remove stubbles profitably after harvest by baling straw. Baled straw has been used in animal bedding, mushroom compost and livestock feed for some years. It has other potential uses, such as for bioenergy.
Since the pollution from stubble burning has become a concern, Khaitan bioenergy has found a way to extract ethanol from it, which is a valuable fuel. Thus proper stubble management is economically beneficial to farmers and can protect the environment from severe pollution.
Biofuel production and energy generation
Recently much progress has done in the usage of stubble for biofuel production. This applies to managing agricultural stubble, which promotes cleaner air and a greener environment by preventing the release of toxic emissions by burning and indirectly reducing the use of fossil fuel-based energy. India ultimately depends on imports for automobile fuel, spending massive amounts of money for obtaining and transporting into the country. A shift from fossil fuel energy to biofuel produced from agricultural stubble is a feasible alternative. Biofuels have recently been gaining global interest due to their lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels.
Most farmers in North India are unaware of these prolific alternatives and, therefore, consider burning the best option. This necessitates extensive awareness programs to enlighten the growers about the availability of economically feasible options and the combined effects of stubble burning.
In short, despite the federal and state government’s strict policies and legislation to ban the burning practices, the activity continues in many parts of northern India, especially in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Nationalistic compliance with these strategies requires effective follow-up with timely and continuous tracking everywhere. The government should compel the pulp and paper production, bioenergy and power industries to use the crop stubble as a proportion of their raw materials. This will motivate the farmers as selling the stubble will generate additional income. So an immense awareness program is necessary to notify the farmers of the environmental and economic benefits of using alternative approaches for managing the crop stubble.
When fossil fuels are used, they produce gaseous emissions that contribute to global warming. As a result, alternative green energies derived from food residues, agricultural leftovers, or industrial food residues should be considered for sustainable development. Because of the continual increase in waste, converting waste to alternative energies or biofuels is a beneficial element. Traditional waste disposal methods, such as landfilling or incineration, produce greenhouse gases. Lignocellulose sources containing carbohydrate polymers and lignin are used to produce biofuels. These components are used as feedstock in manufacturing chemical materials, biofuel, biomethane, and biohydrogen, which are alternatives to fossil fuels. Various pretreatment methods and modern technologies are available to improve the biodegradation of various bio-waste or lignocellulose biomass which helps to convert bio-waste to biofuel (bioethanol, biodiesel, and biogas). Many academics worldwide have been developing alternative energy (biofuel) production technologies to replace fossil fuels by lowering the economic cost of bio-waste pretreatment.
Bioethanol is a type of alcohol derived from grain crops. The alcohol is primarily produced through the fermentation of existing carbohydrates in starch or sugar crops. Furthermore, cellulosic biomass is being researched as a source of ethanol production. Transesterification is used to create biodiesel from vegetable oil and animal fat. Bioethanol is similar to gasoline (Petrol), but biodiesel is identical to fossil diesel. Pure biodiesel and bioethanol can be used as fuel in vehicles with adapted engines. Although biodiesel is typically used as a fossil fuel additive, bioethanol is commonly used as a gasoline additive.
Classification
The first generation, second generation, and third generation of biofuels are divided based on the feedstock used to make ethanol or biodiesel. Additionally, the term “Advanced Biofuels” is frequently used to refer to innovative biofuel production techniques that utilise waste materials as feedstock, including garbage, used cooking oil, and animal fats.
First-generation
First-generation biomass, a food source, is utilised to make ethanol and biodiesel. Food crops that are biochemically classified as carbohydrates are used to ferment sugar or starch to produce ethanol. In contrast to corn, the primary source of starch, sugar comes mostly from sugarcane. Wheat, barley, and sugar beets can also make first-generation ethanol in addition to cane and maise. First-generation biodiesel is made from oils such as soybean, rapeseed (canola), sunflower, and palm.
Second-generation
Non-edible sources of biomass are used to create second-generation ethanoland biodiesel. Specific biofuel crops, agricultural residues, and wood chips are all sources of second-generation ethanol. These resources are biochemically classified as lignocellulosic materials. Most of the non-edible oils used to make second-generation biodiesel originate from jatropha. Other small sources include Jojoba, Karanja, moringa, castor, soapnut, and cottonseed oils.
Third-generation
Algae, a single-celled organism, is frequently used to make third-generation ethanol and biodiesel. Typically, algae are divided into groups according to the environments in which they live, such as freshwater, marine, or wastewater habitats. A particular alga is picked depending on its capabilities to produce ethanol or biodiesel.
Production
The production of ethanol and biodiesel involves various biological and chemical procedures. Fermentation and transesterification are the primary processes for making ethanol and biodiesel. Thus, ethanol is produced by fermenting any biomass rich in carbohydrates (sugar, starch, or cellulose) using a method equivalent to beer brewing. Enzymatic hydrolysis of starch to fermentable sugar occurs before fermentation in the first-generation ethanol manufacturing process. Cellulose is dissociated from the lignocellulosic structure during the production of second and third-generation ethanol utilising a variety of pretreatments.
In theory, making biodiesel is less complicated than making ethanol. The oil is initially extracted from all three types of biodiesel feedstocks. The oil is then transesterified to create biodiesel. Transesterification is a chemical reaction in which an ester reacts with an alcohol to generate another ester and another alcohol. Triglyceride oils (esters) are then blended with methanol (alcohol) to produce biodiesel (fatty acid alkyl esters) and glycerin (alcohol).
Policies
Bioethanol
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) First Generation Program: From 1st January 2003, the Government of India decided to supply ethanol mixed fuel in nine states. Four union territories for the sale of 5% ethanol blended Petrol. The EBP Program aims to achieve several goals, including reducing import dependency, conserving foreign exchange, lowering carbon emissions, and boosting the agriculture sector.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) sent a statement to the Cabinet on 25th September 2007, which was reviewed by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) during its meeting on 9th October 2007. In this meeting, the CCEA opted for 5% mandatory ethanol-to-petrol blending and 10% optional blending by October 2007, and 10% mandatory blending by October 2008.
Low availability and state-specific issues had slowed EBP Program success. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) previous National Policy on Biofuels – 2009 permitted ethanol production from non-food feedstock such as molasses, celluloses, and lignocelluloses. On 2nd January 2013, a Gazette Notification was released directing OMCs to sell blended ethanol gasoline with an ethanol content of up to 10% as per BIS Specification to reach 5% ethanol blending across the country.
As of 31st March 2019, the EBP Program was being implemented in 21 states and four union territories following the partition of Andhra Pradesh and the formation of the new state of Telangana. Also, Public Sector OMCs were buying ethanol from suppliers and selling up to 10% ethanol mixed gasoline.
The Government of India launched the “Pradhan Mantri DIVAN (Jaiv lndhan – Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana” on 28th February 2019 as a tool to create 2G Ethanol capacity in the country to encourage the 2G Ethanol sector and support this emerging industry by creating a suitable ecosystem for setting up commercial projects and increasing R&D. On 8th March 2019, the scheme was published in the Extraordinary Gazette of India.
Biodiesel
The MoPNG established a Biodiesel Purchase Policy in October 2005 to promote biodiesel production in the country, which went into effect on 1st January 2006. OMCs must purchase Biodiesel (B 100) that meets the BIS fuel quality criterion for 5% blending with HSD from authorised procurement centres across the country under this regulation.
The Cabinet approved on 16th January 2015 to allow the direct sale of Biodiesel (B 100) to all consumers by private Biodiesel makers and their authorised dealers. Also, the Joint Ventures of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) approved by MoPNG.
The Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply, Distribution and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005 was amended on 10th August 2015, allowing the direct sale of Biodiesel (B100) to Bulk Consumers such as Railways, State Road Transport Corporations, etc. On 10th August 2015, a few retail outlets (petroleum pumps) across the nation began selling mixed biodiesel, which oil marketing companies also introduced.
Later, on 29th June 2017, MoP86NG issued Gazette notification No. GSR 728 (E) amending the Motor Spirit and High-Speed Diesel (Regulation of Supply, Distribution, and Prevention of Malpractices) Order, 2005, stating that the Central Government may permit the direct sale of biodiesel (B100) for blending with high-speed diesel to all consumers, subject to the conditions specified in the notification.
In March 2016, the ISO 15607 Biodiesel (B100) — Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (Fame) —Specification was modified with the following Scope: “This standard specifies the sample and testing requirements and techniques for biodiesel (B100) — fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) for use in compression ignition engines intended for use as a stand-alone fuel and as a blend stock for diesel fuel. The B 100 stand-alone can also be utilised for heating and industrial engines.
In December 2017, BIS updated ISO 1460 (Automotive Diesel Fuel Specification) as “ISO 15607 biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, FAME) can be blended with automobile diesel fuel for up to 7% (v/v)”.
Overview
The average calorie consumption is rising along with the global population growth, increasing the demand for rare arable land while raising the energy needs of developing countries. Most likely, biofuel or other alternative renewable sources will be required to supply the extra gasoline. However, rising feedstock prices have restricted biodiesel and bioethanol production. Feedstock accounts for a sizable amount of the cost of producing bioethanol and biodiesel. Large-scale farming for bioethanol and biodiesel feedstock requires much arable land. In this sense, unlike bioethanol, there is no requirement for all biodiesel feedstock to be deforested to free up land for feedstock supplies.
Government support, global trade, and technological advances can continuously lower the economic cost of eventual biofuel production, making it more competitive with fossil fuels. Rising oil prices have provided financial support for biodiesel and bioethanol in recent years. The majority of bioethanol and biodiesel feedstock production is for food feedstock, which has the potential to deplete food supplies. As a result, the global debate between food and fuel demands may heat up. Biodiesel was chosen over bioethanol due to non-food feedstock outputs such as jatropha and algae. Large amounts are necessary for large-scale bioethanol and biodiesel feedstock cultivation.
Bioethanol is one of the most intriguing biofuels due to its favourable impact on global warming. There are various advantages in terms of sustainability when comparing advanced bioethanol production to standard bioethanol production. For example, the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions using non-food crops or residual biomass as raw materials.
The transportation sector’s usage of fossil-derived fuels is a major environmental issue, accounting for 24% of global direct CO2 emissions. Cars, trucks, and buses account for roughly 75% of all CO2 emissions in transportation. Due to the severity of this impact, which has been worse over the past few decades, biomass is essential for producing alternative biofuels, which must be made from sustainable and renewable sources.
Through extensive research and government and industry cooperation, biomass-based liquid fuels, namely bioethanol and biodiesel, have been transformed into a competitive alternative to conventional fuels (gasoline and diesel) in the modern world. These liquid biofuels are regarded as critical components for enhancing energy security. These liquid biofuels are seen as essential components for improving energy security, mitigating climate change, and promoting rural development on a worldwide scale.
Energy Crops
Crops are energy crops if a portion or all of their yield is used as a raw material to generate useful energy. These crops generally produce a large biomass per unit of land and time. The essential features for selecting energy crops are rapid growth. They have the quality of a short period from planting to harvest and the ability to grow in harsh weather and poor soil conditions. In contrast, traditional crops will have low and unreliable yields.
Energy crops are generally divided into two types: herbaceous and woody energy crops. Herbaceous energy crops mainly belong to perennial grasses, including switchgrass, miscanthus, and giant reed, as well as others. On the other hand, with relatively fast growth, short rotation woody crops included poplar and eucalyptus. Both herbaceous and woody energy crops may reduce soil erosion and increase soil carbon and soil fertility in poor soils.
Forest Biomass
Forest biomass has been used as a feedstock for bioethanol synthesis, primarily woody components such as branches, leaves, and lops. Softwood (from gymnosperms) and hardwood are the two types of wood (from angiosperms). Growth rates and densities are significant variances between softwoods and hardwoods. Hardwoods often develop slowly and are so denser than softwoods. This organisation is vital to the lowering of CO2 levels in the atmosphere and the preservation of marginal land. When compared to other raw materials, one of the key advantages of employing forest biomass as feedstock is its flexibility in harvesting time, as these commodities do not depend on seasonality. Eucalyptus nitens bark is a forestry material that is regularly collected during harvesting.
Agricultural Waste
The agricultural residue are defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) as “a crop lost during the year at all stages between the farm and the home level during processing, storage, and transport.” This includes stubble, straw, husks, seeds, and bagasse and covers field and processing residues. The amount of agricultural leftovers available for bioenergy generation in the United States alone is predicted to be 240 million dry t/year by 2030. Rice, wheat, corn, and sugarcane account for many agricultural wastes, with rice straw being the most abundant residue worldwide. It calculated the bioethanol potential of these feedstocks, indicating a possible yield of 205 billion L/year from rice.
Industrial Wastes
Industrial wastes comprise all byproduct streams from existing industrial bio-based sectors such as food, pulp and paper, textiles, and biodiesel and bioethanol-related operations. The use of this form of biomass helps to lessen the environmental impact of various industrial processes by lowering net CO2 emissions, decreasing our reliance on petroleum-based resources, and boosting the economic efficiency of the operations by adding value to what is typically dumped as waste. Brewers’ discarded grains account for approximately 85% of the entire amount of by-products created by the brewing sector among food-derived wastes.
Municipal Solid Wastes
Municipal Solid Waste is waste generated from municipal, community, commercial, institutional, and recreational activities. Garbage, rubbish, ashes, street cleanings, dead animals, medical waste, and all other nonindustrial solid waste are all included. Households, offices, hotels, stores, schools, and other institutions generate MSW. Common waste includes food waste, paper, plastic, rags, metal, and glass; demolition and construction debris; and modest amounts of hazardous garbage such as light bulbs, batteries, automobile parts, and discarded medications and chemicals. MSW is a low-cost, abundant, and mainly renewable feedstock. The average amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) that one person generates per day in the world averages 0.74 kilogrammes but varies greatly, ranging from 0.11 to 4.54 kilos. This figure is always rising because to the exponential growth of the world population, which is directly related to the excessive consumption of energy and natural resources. The organic fraction of MSW (OFMSW) is the most significant fraction of MSW, accounting for 40-50% of total dry matter content. OFMSW is composed primarily of carbs (30-40%), lipids (10-15%), and proteins (5-15%). (dry weight).
Furthermore, OFMSWs typically contain varying percentages of inert materials such as plastic, glass, and textiles, the concentrations of which vary substantially depending on the collection mechanism used. The presence of a large volume of inert materials might cause various technical issues and reduce the effectiveness of the valorisation process. Because OFMW is a complex and varied substrate, its properties and production rates are connected to the sorting system, seasonality, population, dietary habits, and socioeconomic factors. There are two different biowaste sorting systems (source sorted (SSOFMW) and nonsorted (NSOFMW)) that can be used as feedstock for the sequential manufacturing of bioethanol and biogas. Because of its complexity and heterogeneity, OFMW is envisioned as a rigid substrate. The most significant ethanol concentrations obtained after exposing these two substrates to nonisothermal SSF procedures were 51 and 26 g/L for SSOFMW and NSOFMW, emphasising the need for biowaste separation.
A biofuel is a renewable energy source derived from organic materials or byproducts of their processing and conversion. These organic materials, commonly referred to as biomass, can be directly converted into liquid fuels known as “biofuels,” which can be used as a transportation fuel. Transportation fuels are classified as either fossil fuels (primarily crude oil and natural gas) or biofuels (made of renewable resources). The transportation industry is based on liquid fuels. Liquid fuels have the advantage of being simple to store. Gaseous fuels are used less frequently in transportation, and solid fuels have even fewer applications. Currently, the most common biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel.
Biofuels are derived from biomass, and it is generally believed that their combustion is CO2 neutral. The amount of CO2 that was drawn from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and plant growth is roughly equal to what is released after burning. The carbon cycle is completed as a result. Most exhaust streams from combustion engines contain non-toxic substances such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water. The potential of available feedstock sources is critical for biofuels, and the overall biofuel potential is heavily influenced by climate. Climate, Available land for cultivation, and the productivity of dedicated energy crops all significantly impact total biofuel potential. Concerns about global climate change, primarily caused by fossil fuel use, are one of the significant drivers of biofuel development worldwide.
Scientific evidence is that accelerating global warming contributes to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Carbon dioxide is a crucial contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (CO2). However, Greenhouse gases include nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), and several other compounds, which are even more severe than CO2 in terms of global warming. Due to their potential for causing global warming, it has become common practice to weigh their emissions and aggregate them to CO2 equivalents.
On the other hand, greenhouse gases that are directly toxic to human health are also emitted. Particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (including hydrocarbons HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and a variety of unregulated toxic air pollutants are among the primary transport emissions from the combustion of both fossil and renewable fuels. The type of feedstock is the overall critical point of how biomass production influences climate. It determines the amount of carbon concealed in the soil and the energy yield per unit of land. It is also necessary to consider what crops these crops are replacing. GHG emissions are expected to rise if they replace natural grasslands or forests. But if energy crops are cultivated on barren or dry terrain, traditional crops cannot thrive. In that situation, they can reduce considerably lower related emissions.
First, second, and third-generation biofuels are classified according to the raw materials used to make ethanol or biodiesel. All biofuels have different generations based on their feedstocks. In general, “advanced biofuels” refers to cutting-edge methods of producing biofuels that utilise waste products as feedstock, spent cooking oil, and animal fats.
First-generation Biofuels
Direct fuel extraction from biomass, which is often a food source, is known as 1G biofuel. Biologically categorised as food crop supplies, sugar or starch is fermented to create ethanol fuel. The primary source of sugar is sugarcane, whereas the main source of starch is corn. In addition to cane and corn, first-generation ethanol can also be derived from wheat, barley, and sugar beet. First-generation biodiesel is made from edible oil crops like soybean, rapeseed (canola), sunflower, and palm. These biofuels also support rural communities and agricultural sectors by increasing crop demand. They also have downsides that raise the cost of food and animal feed on a global level. Some areas are experiencing a water shortage, which may also result from the high water use required for the extraction procedures. Another problem is the farming system’s need for hectares of land to produce sufficient crops. The dependence on fossil fuels is further demonstrated by using fossil fuels for power in existing production methods. Biodiesel usually contains recycled restaurant cooking oil; thus, the supply of oil is limited by the use of restaurants.
Second-generation Biofuels
Extracting ethanol and biodiesel from non-edible biomass sources yields 2G biofuel. Grass, agricultural waste, and wood chips are all included in 2G ethanol, which is made of lignocellulosic resources. Most non-edible oils used to make 2G biodiesel come from jatropha (Bhuiya). Jojoba, Karanja, moringa, castor, soapnut, and cottonseed oils. Wood, organic waste, food waste, and particular biomass crops are other biomass sources for the second generation of biofuels. Fast-growing trees like poplar trees require pretreatment, a sequence of chemical reactions that dissolve lignin, the “glue” that keeps plants together, to be used as fuel. Thermochemical or biochemical reactions release the sugars enclosed in the plant fibres during this pretreatment process. The second generation of biofuels solves numerous problems from the first generation. Since they derive from different types of biomass, they do not compete with food crops for fuel. Second-generation biofuels yield significantly more energy than first-generation biofuels. They enable the use of barren land that might not be able to support the growth of food crops. Given that the technology is still in its infancy, future scientific advancements may result in cost savings and higher production efficiency. Nevertheless, given that part of the biomass for second-generation biofuels grows in climates where food crops also thrive, there is still competition for land with some of the biomass. As a result, choosing which crop to cultivate is upon farmers and decision-makers. Biomass is also utilised from cellulosic sources like maise stover (leaves, stalk, and stem of corn) that grow alongside food crops. However, this would deplete the soil’s nutrients, requiring fertiliser to refill them. Furthermore, the biomass must be pretreated to release the trapped sugars.
Third-generation Biofuels
Algae is a single-cell organism that produces the 3G biofuel blend of ethanol and biodiesel. Algae are typically divided according to their habitats, such as non-arable land, freshwater, wastewater, salt, brackish water, or genetically altered algae. Third-generation (algal) biofuels may also avoid the issues of food competition, land use, and water scarcity as they grow at a rapid pace. However, producing biofuels from microalgae is energy-intensive and currently unprofitable.
Third-generation biofuels have a higher energy density per harvest area than first and second-generation biofuels. They are marketed as low-cost, high-energy, and completely renewable energy sources. Algae have a favourable benefit that they can grow in areas where first and second-generation crops cannot, reducing stress on water and arable land. As said before, It can be grown in sewage, wastewater, and saltwater environments like oceans or salt lakes as there is no dependency on water. However, more research is needed to advance the extraction process and make it financially competitive with petrodiesel and other petroleum-based fuels.
Natural gas and crude oil are the primary resources used for producing fuel and industrial chemicals. However, fossil fuel consumption has become a significant worldwide issue. Looking for new sustainable and alternative sources to help ease global environmental concerns is crucial. In recent years the critical source of biofuels has been bioethanol. With biofuels, fossil carbon can be replaced with bio-based carbon from biomass from agriculture, forestry, and municipal waste, contributing to a circular economy. Bioethanol development is a complementary strategy based on better resources with higher eco-efficiency and a lower GHG effect. It is more sustainable than the production of fossil fuels.
Ethanol derived from various bio-based sources (bioethanol) has recently received much interest due to its potential to reduce net carbon dioxide emissions while lowering the world’s growing reliance on fossil fuels. Global ethanol output has more than six-fold expanded since the turn of the century, from 18 billion litres to 110 billion litres in 2019, only to decline to 98.6 billion litres in 2020 owing to the pandemic. The primary feedstocks for ethanol production have been sugar cane and corn. Because of its non-food status and widespread availability, lignocellulosic biomass has recently been another potential feedstock.
Overview
For ethanol manufacturing, three types of feedstock are available. First-generation ethanol is generally from sugar and starch feedstocks. In contrast, ethanol produced from biomass feedstocks is second-generation ethanol. These include lignocellulosic feedstocks, starch-based feedstocks, and sugar-based feedstocks, such as sugar cane and sugar beet (agricultural residues, forest residues, dedicated energy crops, and municipal solid wastes). The ethanol production technologies utilised for each feedstock type, both commercially available, are yet in development, and current production patterns in various areas and nations worldwide.
Due to the pandemic, the global quantity of ethanol has decreased from 110 billion litres in 2019 to 98.6 billion litres in 2020. Using ethanol with 95% gasoline can lower CO2 emissions by 90% and SO2 emissions by 60-80%. It assists the world in addressing some of the world’s air pollution issues, lowering levels of greenhouse gases that cause climate change, and ensuring environmental security. Currently, ethanol is commercially generated through fermentation from a variety of feedstocks. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast is used to ferment sugars generated from starch in maise and other grains and sugars already present in sugar cane and sugar beets.
Corn accounts for 60% of ethanol production, sugar cane for 25%, wheat for 3%, molasses for 2%, and other grains, cassava, and sugar beets for the remainder. Over the last three years, the yearly global fuel ethanol production and specific nations’ production contributed at least 1% of the overall production output. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, the top five ethanol producers were the United States, Brazil, the European Union (EU), China, and Canada. India generated significantly more ethanol than Canada in 2020, but the top four ethanol producers’ rankings remained unchanged.
The United States of America
In the United States, ethanol generated from corn reached 6.5 billion gallons (24.6 billion L) in 2007. This number more than quadrupled to around 13.2 billion gallons in 2012. (50.0 billion L). In 2018, the United States exported 6.5 billion L of ethanol, increasing its share of global ethanol exports to 61%. By 2020, there were 208 ethanol-producing facilities in the country, with an installed capacity of 17.44 billion gallons annually (66.0 billion L per year). In contrast to the 15.8 billion gallons produced the year before, the record production in 2020 was 13.8 billion gallons (52.2 billion L) (59.8 billion L). The COVID-19 epidemic directly impacted the demand for transportation fuel, which led to a reduction in ethanol production. While some facilities were shut down due to the recession, others modified their production methods to create an ethanol product suitable for use in hand sanitisers.
Canada
Since the amount of ethanol used in the nation typically outweighs the amount produced, Canada is a net importer of the fuel. Canada made 8000 L of ethanol annually in 1980, but by 2010, that number had climbed to 1.9 billion L. Canada produced 2 billion L of ethanol in 2018 but consumed 3.33 billion L in 2019. However, ethanol production in Canada has increased in recent years, owing primarily to feedstock changes and increasing capacity at existing ethanol facilities in Canada. Canada was listed as the world’s sixth largest ethanol producer in 2020. Canada’s ethanol output accounted for 1.6% of total global production. Corn and wheat were the two most essential feedstocks in ethanol production, contributing 1534.3 million L and 360.7 million L, respectively. Winter barley was proposed as a feedstock for ethanol production. However, this grain hasn’t been applied in industrial ethanol manufacturing facilities.
Brazil
Brazil remained the world’s second-largest ethanol producer. Brazil’s ethanol production, comprising anhydrous and hydrous ethanol, increased by approximately 7% in 2019 compared to 2018. Brazil has produced the most gasoline-ethanol in a decade. In Brazil, sugarcane bagasse is commonly utilised as boiler fuel to transfer energy to sugar mills. As a result, it is used to reduce energy costs and as an alternative to utilising leftover biomass.
In 2020, total ethanol production was 31.35 billion L, with 32 million L produced from lignocellulosic feedstock (bagasse). 2020 ethanol output was around 16% lower than the previous year (37.38 billion L). Sugar-ethanol plants diverted to extract juice from sugar cane toward sugar production in 2020, which reduced ethanol production. The co-products were 120.1 million MT bagasse, 1.88 million MT DDGS, and 108,000 MT corn oil. Corn ethanol output is expected to reach 8 billion L by 2028, according to the Corn Ethanol National Union (UNEM). There are now 11 corn ethanol facilities under development, including nine full-plant varieties (corn exclusively) and one flex plant.
Europe
In 2020, Europe’s total ethanol production was 4.8% of global production. Sugar beets (7.45 million MT), corn (6.35 million MT), and wheat were the principal feedstocks used in ethanol production (2.64 million MT). Belgium, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom usually use wheat. Corn was the favoured feedstock in Hungary because it was readily accessible. Most grains came from Ukraine to feed ethanol facilities near seaports in the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The feedstock for the inland ethanol facilities in Spain combined corn and barley. Sugar beets and their derivatives generate ethanol in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Belgium, and Austria.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced ethanol consumption in the EU by 10.1%. This figure, however, was slightly lower than the 13.0% decline in fuel use. The co-products comprised 3.33 million MT per distiller of dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and 188,000 MT of corn oil, according to the 2021 European Union Biofuels Annual Report.
Five additional lignocellulosic ethanol facilities were under construction in Finland (sawdust, 10 million L per year), Italy (biomass, 28 million L per year), Austria (wood sugars, 30 million L per year), Romania (wheat straw, 65 million L per year), and Bulgaria (corn stover, 50 million L per year). All of these plants are scheduled to be operational soon. In 2020, the EU’s ethanol production was 5.47 billion L.
China
From 2004 to 2016, China produced ethanol at an average of 16.8 per cent per year. China produced 6.6 million MT of ethanol in 2018, making it the world’s fourth-largest ethanol-producing country/region after the United States, Brazil, and the European Union. China ordered all gasoline sold in the country to be blended with ethanol by 2020. The objective would exceed China’s estimated domestic production capacity, necessitating ethanol imports from nations such as the United States and Brazil. Corn is China’s primary feedstock, accounting for 64% of total ethanol output in the country.
India
India is the sixth-largest ethanol producer in the world. With a 99% market dominance in 2020, India remained one of the top importers of US ethanol. Due to Prime minister Narendra Modi’s “self-resilient” initiatives, India sets an ambitious goal of E-20 by 2025 while keeping its immediate goal of E-10 by 2022. India has a total installed capacity of 5 billion L of ethanol, with molasses-based distilleries accounting for 4.2 billion L or 85 per cent of total production capacity and grain-based distilleries accounting for 750 million L. (equivalent to 15 per cent).
In India, molasses or sugar juice were the only sources of ethanol in the past. Several feedstocks, including grains, manufacture the ethanol produced in India (rice, wheat, barley, maise, and sorghum). Molasses-based ethanol production in 2020 to be 2.98 billion L. Due to increased government attempts to divert more feedstock into ethanol, India’s 2021 average ethanol blending percentage in gasoline was anticipated at 7.5 per cent. The country’s 2021 ethanol production was forecast at 3.17 billion L, 7% more than 2020.
However, research in biomass ethanol is still needed to enhance the science and bring the technology closer to more comprehensive commercial implementation. Creating high-value byproducts that can be made from C5 sugars and the techniques for their synthesis is one area that requires more study. Xylitol and astaxanthin, among other things, are examples of them. Lignin use is a different topic that still has much room for exploration. There is little room for research to dramatically advance the technology because corn ethanol in the United States and sugarcane ethanol in Brazil has been used commercially for many years.
Similarly to the C5 sugars, lignin can be used as a feedstock to make high-value co-products. Establishing techniques for their synthesis still necessitates considerable research. The production industry has been badly devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the entire planet. As a result, global ethanol production fell in 2020. Although other regions are also affected, they rely less on fuel ethanol markets. Hence the pandemic’s effects there have been considerably less severe.
The recovery is expected to occur after the pandemic ends and the production sectors resume their regular operations. However, production might not be as high as before the global lockdown. The demand for ethanol for hand sanitiser remains high even after the limitations are relaxed during the epidemic. Stronger emission laws and policies support the potential for biofuel production to reduce CO2 emissions in developing nations. Global ethanol production is anticipated to rise once again in the future.
Ethanol is a significant biofuel to act as an alternative to fossil fuels. Fermented yeast creates raw ethanol. There are other procedures for producing ethanol. The sugar industry produces ethanol as a byproduct, predominantly made from molasses. The higher the sugar cane supply, the lower the prices. This affects the sugar industry, where there is a payment delay to the farmers. The Indian government introduced the “Ethanol Blending Petrol” (EBP) Program. The aim is to reduce pollution, reduce reliance on imports, boost the agriculture sector, clear the cane price arrears of farmers, conserve foreign exchange and address the long-term environmental concerns.
Launching of EBP Program
The Centre launched several pilot projects in 2001. One of the projects involves combining 5% ethanol with gasoline and distributing it to a retail outlet.
Launch of Ethanol Blended Petrol Program (EBP) in 2003.
In 2005, a political party proposed mandatory ethanol, based on the Renewable Fuel Standard, to convert corn into fuel for replacing regular gasoline.
Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) permitted the sale of 5% ethanol blended gasoline in nine states and four UTs in 2006.
CCEA met in 2007 to discuss a mandatory 5% ethanol-to-petroleum blend.
The Centre Reinstated a 10% mandatory blend in 2008.
Low availability and other issues faced by each state slowed the progress of ethanol production in 2009.
CCEA decided to purchase ethanol from domestic sources in 2013. Sugarcane prohibition resulted in a shift in ethanol production from molasses.
In 2014, the government facilitated several initiatives to boost ethanol production. Initiates are to reintroduce the price mechanism, explore an alternate production route, and have regular discussions with state governments based on the ethanol blending roadmap.
In 2018, the national biofuels policy stated a target of 20% ethanol blending in gasoline by 2030.
Launch of the EBP Program in 21 states and four UTs On March 31, 2019. OMCs in the public sector bought and sold 10% ethanol blended gasoline.
Roadmap for ethanol blending by 2025
“World Environment Day” on June 5, 2021: Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the “Expert Committee” report on the “Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025.”
The roadmap for ethanol blending is a clear pathway for achieving 20% ethanol blending. It mentions the intermediate milestone of 10% ethanol blending by November 2022. The report includes an annual plan for the country’s gradual transition to E20 ethanol. It proposes specific responsibilities for Union Ministries, State Governments, and vehicle manufacturers for the production, supply, and gradual implementation of 20% ethanol blending in gasoline by 2025.
As per the reports, there is a budget of 30,000 crores for foreign exchange per year. The information includes the immense benefits of 20% ethanol blending, such as energy security, lower carbon emissions, better air quality, utilisation of damaged food grains, employment opportunity, increment in farmer’s income etc. Dr Rakesh Sarwal, Additional secretary of NITI Aayog, is leading the inter-ministerial committee. It involves the representatives of the Ministries of Petroleum, Food and Public Distribution, Road Transport and Highways, Heavy Industry, Indian Oil Corporation, and the Automotive Research Association of India served on the committee.
Milestone mentioned in E-20 Roadmap :
To increase the capacity of ethanol production in India from 700 to 1500 crore litres.
Roll out of E10 compatible vehicles by April 2023.
Manufacture of E20 engines powered vehicles begins by April 2025.
To encourage the production of water-saving crops like maise.
To improve the technology of extracting ethanol from non-food feedstocks.
Tax incentives for the blended ethanol fuel producers.
Nationwide education campaign of ethanol.
To use a single-window mechanism to speed up governmental regulatory clearances for ethanol distilleries.
The EBP procurement procedure for ethanol is simplified.
Availability of denatured ethanol (called denat alcohol) all over the country.
Initiatives by the government
The Central Government has increased blending targets under the Ethanol Blending Programme(EBP) from 5% to 10%.
The EBP procurement procedure for ethanol, simplified to streamline the entire ethanol supply chain. and the remunerative ex-depot price of ethanol has been fixed.
A “grid” that connects distilleries to OMC depots and details quantities to be supplied has been developed to help meet new blending targets.
A state-by-state demand profile has been projected, taking into account distances, capacities, and other sectoral demands.
Sugar mills have waived excise duty on ethanol supplies to OMCs for EBP during 2015-16. (up to 10 August 2016). The results have been promising, with supplies doubling each year.
Yearly-based ethanol supply from 2013-2018
2013-14 Supply of thirty-eight crore litres of ethanol for blending.
2014-15 Under the modified EBP, supplies increased to 67 crore litres.
2015-16 The ethanol supply was historically high in the ethanol season, reaching 111 crore litres with 4.2 per cent blending.
2016-17 Approximately 66.51 cr litre of the 80 cr litre contracted for the ethanol season was supplied.
2017-18 During the ethanol season, an LOI was issued for the supply of 139.51 cr litres of ethanol, of which 136 cr litres have been signed and 46.25 cr litres have been supplied so far.
In addition, OMCs have opened a second round of bidding for the procurement of 117 million litres of ethanol under the EBP. The Indian Sugar Mill Association
estimated 2.4 billion litres of supply in 2019 based on 1.8 billion litres of C-Heavy molasses, 425-430 million litres of B-Heavy molasses, 165-170 million litres of damaged food grains, and 20 million litres of sugarcane juice.
The regulatory status of ethanol as fuel
The regulatory status and implementation details are as follows:
E5 [blending 5% Ethanol with 95% gasoline] was notified in 2015 by MoRT&H6.
E10 [blending 10% Ethanol with 90% gasoline] was notified in 2019 by MoRT&H7. The rubber and plastic components used in gasoline vehicles are currently compatible with E10 fuel.
E85 The use of E-85 fuel (85% ethanol by volume) was notified in 2016 for 4-wheeled vehicles, three-wheelers and two-wheelers.
E100 [pure ethanol] for use in gasoline vehicles.
ED95 [95% ethanol and 5% additives (co-solvent, corrosion inhibitors and ignition.
Production of “Ethanol Blended Petrol” compatible vehicles
Two-wheeler and passenger vehicles produced recently are optimized for E5, with rubber and plastic components compatible with E10 fuel; their engines can be calibrated for E10 for improved performance. As the EBP is implemented in the country, vehicles are manufactured with rubberized parts, plastic components, and elastomers that are compatible with E20, and the engines are optimally designed for E20 fuel. SIAM has assured the government that E10 and E20 will be made available in the nation upon the release of MoPNG’s timeline. According to the roadmap, they will prepare to supply compatible vehicles. E20 material-compliant vehicles could be available by April 2022, and E20 engine-compatible vehicles could be available by April 2023. These vehicles can withstand 10% to 20% ethanol blended gasoline and perform well with E10 fuel. Vehicles powered by E20 engines will be available across the country beginning in April 2025. These high-performance vehicles will only run on E20.
Correlating higher ethanol blends with compliant vehicles
Vehicles must be designed holistically to take material compatibility, engine tuning (spark timing), and optimisation into account. It will gain benefit from higher octane ethanol blends. High compression ratio engines are prone to suffer catastrophic failure due to engine knocking when operated with low or no ethanol content. Vehicles designed for low or no ethanol content in gasoline will have more down fuel economy when used with higher ethanol blends.
Progress in Ethanol Blended Program (Dec 2014-Jan 2021)
Year
Progresses
2014-2015
Government reintroduced an administered price mechanism for ethanol to be procured under the EBP Program.
Opened alternate route for ethanol production (2nd generation including petrochemical)
Government has since directed Oil Public Sector Enterprises to set up bio refineries.
Eased tender conditions – Multiple EOI being floated, transportation slabs and rates.
2016-2017
IDR Act Amendment on 14th May, 2016 to clarify on the roles of Central and State
Government for uninterrupted supply of ethanol to be blended with petrol under the EBP Programme.
Regular interaction with States and all other stakeholders to address issues pertaining to the EBP Programme. This is a continuous exercise.
2018-2019
Notified forward looking and updated National Policy on Biofuels -2018 involving all stakeholders.
Interest Subvention Scheme for enhancement and augmentation of ethanol production capacity in the country.
Allowed conversion of B heavy molasses, sugarcane juice and damaged food grains to ethanol.
Fixed differentiated ex-mill ethanol price and procurement priority based on raw materials utilized for ethanol production.
Marked beginning of an era of differentiated ethanol pricing, based on raw material utilized for ethanol production.
Opened a fresh window for inviting applications under interest subvention scheme for ethanol projects based on cane and molasses.
Extension of EBP Program to the whole of India except Island UT’s of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.
New sources of sugar & sugar syrup are introduced for ethanol production and fixed remunerative prices.
2020-2021
OMC’s have enhanced their ethanol storage capacity from 5.39 crore litres in November, 2017 to 17.8 crore litres in December 2020. With the current capacity, about 430 crores litres of ethanol can be handled annually considering 15 days of coverage period.
One time registration of ethanol suppliers for long term, including giving them visibility of ethanol demand for 5 years.
OMC’s started to provide Off-take guarantee letters and consent to sign tripartite agreements with ethanol suppliers and bankers to support the ethanol capacity expansion projects.
Opened a fresh window for inviting applications under interest subvention scheme for ethanol projects based on cane and molasses.
Further ease of tender conditions by OMC’s like one time document submission, quarterly bank guarantees, multiple transportation rate slabs and transportation rates being linked to retail selling price (RSP) of diesel, reduction in security deposit and applicable penalty on non- supplied quantity.
Approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC) to utilize surplus stock of rice lying with Food Corporation of India (FCI) to be released to the distillers for ethanol production. Approval of NBCC10 to utilize maize for ethanol production.
Interest subvention scheme enhancement and augmentation of ethanol production capacity extended to grain based distilleries & distilleries producing ethanol from other feedstocks like sorghum, sugar, beets etc. apart from molasses-based distilleries.
Progress Chart on EBP Program
Inference and Implication
Currently, fossil fuels account for approximately 98 per cent of the fuel requirement in the road transportation sector, with biofuels accounting for the remaining 2 per cent. Eighty-five per cent of India’s oil is imported. Despite temporary setbacks caused by the COVID pandemic, the Indian economy is expected to grow steadily.
This would increase vehicular population, increasing the demand for transportation fuels. Domestic biofuels offer the country a strategic opportunity to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. Furthermore, biofuels can be environmentally friendly, long-term energy sources when used correctly.
They can also help with job creation, the promotion of Make in India, Swachh Bharat, doubling farmer incomes, and converting waste to wealth.
Ethanol is a colourless liquid and a biodegradable fuel. The low toxicity has proved ethanol to cause minimal ecological pollution. It is a high-density fuel which replaces “lead” as an octane enhancer in gasoline. Three kinds of microorganisms are responsible for converting lignocellulosic biomass to bioethanol. These microbes are yeasts, bacteria, and fungi. Among them, yeasts proved to be the best for the ageing process. Combining ethylene with steam is an alternate way to produce ethanol. Mixing ethanol with gas can oxygenate the fuel blend, which burns the whole compound—thus reducing emissions of pollutants.
Depleting natural resources adversely affects the planet. So, the governments of each country are bound to take action. Most organisations are taking the initiative and bringing new technology to biofuel production. Among the biofuels, bioethanol has proved to be a promising fuel to address the energy crisis. In the transportation sector, bioethanol serves as an alternative to petroleum derivatives. Conversion of bioethanol with hydrocarbons, oxygen synthetics and other low atom-weight molecules results in a superior blend.
Classifications
Bio Ethanol is classified into two groups;
Classification of bioethanol through the process of manufacturing.
The traditional method of producing ethanol combines ethylene with steam. It has a chemical reaction by using non-biogenic sources of raw materials. In which ethylene is non-renewable.
Anaerobic sugar fermentation from various renewable sources is a sustainable method of producing ethanol with the help of microbes.
Classification of bioethanol by the source of raw materials.
First Generation (1G) Bioethanol
Raw materials extracted from food-based feedstocks to produce ethanol are sugar and starch, a common type of alcohol. Sugar cane, sorghum, and pearl millets contain glucose, sucrose, and fructose. These are the major components of such feedstocks. This bioethanol production process is not cost-effective, raising the criticism of adopting non-food-based feedstocks.
Second Generation (2G) Bioethanol
Second-generation bioethanol consists of lignocellulosic biomass and industrial wastes. It is readily available and also found in all sectors. Hence, the scope of second-generation ethanol is very promising. But unfortunately, the functioning of these industries depends upon the market demand for ethanol.
Third Generation (3G) Bioethanol
Bioethanol from non-food based feedstock includes many benefits. Such as higher energy density, conversion percentage, ease of cultivation, and lower costs. However, there is a lack of stability in the extraction of algae or other microbes compared to other bioethanol sources.
Fourth Generation (4G) Bioethanol
The fourth-generation bioethanol procedure includes capturing and storing CO2 and later converting the stored CO2 to ethanol. Oxide electrolysis, genetic engineering, and petroleum hydro-processing are some technologies. However, it is in the embryonic stage.
The Properties and Process of Bioethanol
Properties
Ethanol is a popular biofuel which is readily available in the market. The fuel has the potential of conversion to secondary energy resources. Using bioethanol as a transport fuel reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to gasoline or octane. The biodegradation of bioethanol is simple. In contrast to petrol and water, bioethanol is entirely miscible with water in all ratios. While gasoline is immiscible when blended with water. It might cause corrosion-related issues with the mechanical parts particularly those made of copper, brass, or aluminum. Ethanol increases octane more effectively and contains 35% oxygen by mass. It requires fewer additives in its process and pollutes water bodies less. Ethanol improves fuel combustion and lowers particle emissions released during combustion.
“Process of Bioethanol Production”
Process
Bioethanol manufacturing uses biomass (starch and lignocellulosic) as a raw material for a more sustainable alternative. Technologies for developing bioethanol through research, primarily focused on the conversion of biomass waste.
Bioethanol manufacturing from starch involves three sequential steps:
Hydrolysis
Fermentation
product purification.
However, bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass involves four steps:
Pretreatment
Hydrolysis
Fermentation
Purification
Pretreatment procedures
Physically
Physio-chemically
Chemically
Biologically
It is crucial to choose the best pretreatment strategy. Thus, focus on creating and applying suitable pretreatment techniques and the other phases of bioethanol production.
Possibilities of Bioethanol
Bioethanol-gasoline mixed in the proportion of 10% bioethanol and 90% gasoline is most popularly known as gasohol(E10). Most modern automobiles that run on “internal combustion engines”(ICEs) could quickly burn E10. Bioethanol only acts as a traditional motor fuel by combining with other propellants. The vehicle performance is not degraded with use of ethanol with other blends in such quantity by conventional combustion. This mixture does not need alterations while burning. Blended fuels like E85 contain 85 per cent bioethanol and 15 per cent gasoline.
In recent decades, significant advancements have developed in processing renewable biomass, including cellulose synthesis, pentose and hexose sugar fermentation, and the separation and purification of bioethanol.
Despite these advancements, only sugarcane bioethanol produced in Brazil can match the price of fossil fuels. They regularly conduct market studies, polls, and crop selections, giving them a competitive edge in ethanol’s growth and loss-free production.
The use of synthetic biology and yeast metabolic engineering has a considerable positive impact on future industrial bioethanol production systems.
The availability of biomass and the cost of ethanol are the two limiting factors in the production and use of bioethanol. There are many potential applications for ethanol across several industries.
Analysis
For several biomass feedstocks, Oak Ridge National Laboratory introduced supply cost curves. They found that 144 million dry tonnes of agricultural leftovers are accessible and collected yearly. According to the estimates, this equates to 10–14 billion gallons of bioethanol per year. As a result, without having to compete for any new land. The current biomass sources are sufficient to cover about 10% of our needs for light-duty vehicle transportation.
The growth of energy crops will expand the bioethanol market. Economic modelling supports the research of bioethanol’s market penetration. These predictions stated that if ethanol price is $1 per gallon, bioethanol sales will reach 2 billion gallons annually.
Industry can only lower the cost of ethanol to 80 cents per gallon if yearly ethanol demand reaches 6 or 8 billion gallons. This statement is a feasible target based on recent techno-economic studies.
The United States are one of the significant consumers of ethanol. If farmers are encouraged to cultivate corn more than the paddy, the amount of ethanol generated throughout the country will increase. Cooperative distilleries and production facilities provide financial assistance, and ethanol is sold across all nations at a consistent price and on a dependable market.
“Ban on Internal Combustion Engines by Countries”
Major country’s projects and policies
Nations are struggling to reduce their contribution to carbon emissions, reflecting a negative impact on the planet. A significant issue addressed was temperature rise, leading to melting polar caps.
So, it was about time the nations agreed upon the decarbonisation pact, prompting the “net-zero” concept.
It is to enhance air quality and creating a healthier environment for the future. This generally entails reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water, maximising energy resources, and eliminating waste. Hence, this results in society’s development being more sustainable and adaptable.
Phasing out fossil fuel
Britain became the first G7 nation in the previous year to achieve the net-zero emission target by 2050. This goal calls for significant changes in how Britons travel, consume energy, and eat. Starting from 2030, Britain will ban the sale of petrol and diesel five years earlier than anticipated. Prime Minister Boris quoted this as the “Green Revolution” and focused on reducing emissions to zero by 2050.
However, not only Britain, below are the following nations or regions that have proposed prohibiting vehicles powered by fossil fuels:
USA: In September 2035, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California would prohibit the sale of new gasoline-powered passenger automobiles and trucks.
Canada: Quebec said that starting in 2035, it would prohibit the sale of new gasoline-powered passenger vehicles.
European Union: On October 23, EU environment ministers agreed to make the bloc’s 2050 net-zero emissions target legally enforceable, but left it up to the leaders to decide on a 2030 carbon reduction target in December.
Germany: In late 2018, German localities began enacting bans on older diesel cars that create more pollution.
Norway: With a target date of 2025, Norway, whose economy is strongly dependent on oil and gas revenue, wants to be the first nation in the world to ban the sale of cars that run on fossil fuels.
In Norway, sales of fully electric vehicles already account for around 60% of all monthly sales.
China: China began researching when it would be appropriate to prohibit manufacturing and selling automobiles that use conventional fossil fuels in 2017.
According to an industry official, new energy vehicle (NEV) sales in China, the world’s largest auto market, will account for half of the recent car sales by 2035.
India: Last year, the country’s national think tank urged scooter and motorcycle manufacturers to develop an electric vehicle transition strategy.
In addition, by 2025, electric scooters with 150cc engines will be manufactured and distributed.
India’s Policies and Projects
Focusing more on second and third-generation bio-ethanol is a crucial strategy for increasing the nation’s ethanol production. Food grains and sugarcane juice for ethanol generation have always come under research in a developing country like India. Therefore, combining household and agricultural waste to produce biofuel will help the supply issue. India produces very little second-generation biofuel at the moment. However, in recent years, public sector oil marketing firms like the Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum have established production facilities and invested in the manufacture of second-generation biofuels. The industry has yet to see the effects of these advances.
By 2030, India’s net agricultural residue availability for biofuel generation is approximately 166.6 million tons.
By the same year, the demand for ethanol for gasoline blending would be close to 13.7 million tons (based on the desired mixing rate of 20%).
The development of technology to produce ethanol from cellulosic and lignocellulosic biomass would help focus attention away from food-based biofuels and prevent a future shortage of ethanol feedstock.
Discussions
At a recent state-level conference organized at an institute in Pune, the union minister addressed the issue of switching to alternative fuel ethanol in construction, flex-fueled engines and the agriculture industry, where diesel-based agricultural equipment switches towards gasoline. Similarly, the union road transport and highways minister stated that petroleum products worth $10 trillion (US dollars) lead to imports to meet the needs of the energy and power sectors. In the coming years, the demand for imports may increase to 25 trillion (US dollars), resulting in an economic crisis.
The minister also mentioned that a rise in demand for sugar throughout the globe is a temporary phenomenon. However, there is an urgency in shifting sugar production to ethanol due to policies established.
Brazil manufactures ethanol from sugarcane as crude oil prices rise to $140 per barrel, increasing the demand for sugar from India.
Brazil begins to produce sugar when crude oil prices fall from $70 to $80 per barrel, and when crude oil prices fall, it also reflects a decrease in sugar demand.
Future government measures to encourage the manufacture of ethanol from corn will also be a crucial tactic. Compared to rice or sugarcane, corn takes much less water to grow.
Additionally, reducing the amount of water used for paddy production will aid India, which otherwise could soon experience severe water shortages.
All these actions can decrease the amount of foreign currency, mostly spent on importing fuel, while also assisting India in increasing ethanol production and blending rates.
ETHANOL BLENDING PETROL PROGRAMME (EBP)
The Ethanol Blending Program (EBP) aims to meet the ethanol blend targets combined with gasoline.
Goal: By reducing fuel imports and lowering carbon emissions, it wants to combine ethanol with gasoline, classifying it as a biofuel and saving millions of dollars.
Target: Since ethanol is a cleaner fuel, it is added to a different propellent to lessen the nation’s reliance on petroleum imports. The objective is to reach a 20 per cent ethanol blend in Fuel by 2025, referred to as “E20” in the industry.
In 2018, the Central Government expanded the scope of the EBP programme to extract Fuel from surplus amounts of food grains like remains of fruits and vegetables, sorghum, and pearl millet. Only extra sugarcane production could turn into ethanol for programme purchases.
The government will offer interest subsidies (on loans) to encourage funding in this industry. Blending 20 per cent of ethanol into gasoline by the year 2050 is set up under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Program.
Additional Ethanol Demand Scenarios Modeling:
One of India’s top think tanks, the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), utilized “Sustainable Alternative Futures for India”(SAFARI), a long-term simulation model to forecast the demand for ethanol. According to the SAFARI model, socioeconomic elements, including population, GDP, and development objectives, would impact India’s energy consumption and emissions by 2050. Development goals refer to access to food, housing, healthcare, education, transportation, power, and infrastructure.
As the electric vehicle revolution is on the horizon, many uncertainties in future projects are to focus on research and development in different scenarios. Three scenarios for electric mobility uptake to estimate the demand for petrol and ethanol are:
1. Conservative (low EVs) – negligible uptake of electric mobility up to 2030.
2. The Status Quo (BAU, medium EVs): medium uptake of electric mobility, around 15% of car passenger kilometres (pkm) and 30% of two-wheeler and three-wheeler pkm are assumed to be electric by 2030.
3. Low Carbon (high EV uptake): 30% of cars and 80%of two-wheelers and three-wheelers are assumed to be electric by 2030.
Additional Initiatives
E20 Fuel
The Indian government established a 20 per cent ethanol blend in gasoline known as E20 Fuel as its target by 2025. The Indian government has encouraged public comments presenting the acceptance of E20 Fuel.
JI-VAN Pradhan Mantri (2019).
The plan aims to create a biological system for launching business strategies and promote creative projects and initiatives in the 2G ethanol sector.
The Public Biofuel Policy (2018)
MNRE approves this policy to achieve the target of 20% ethanol blended with petrol and 5% biodiesel blended with diesel by 2030.
Reduction in GST
The government has reduced GST on ethanol from 18 per cent to 5 per cent, initiated under the Ethanol Blended Petrol Program (EBP).
Conclusion
The pretreatment of renewable biomass, the production of cellulase, the fermentation of sugars (pentose and hexose), and the separation and purification of bioethanol have seen significant developments in recent decades. Despite these advancements, only Brazil’s bioethanol from sugar cane production makes bioethanol cost-competitive with fossil fuels. They carry out market research and surveys each year and select crops each year, which provides them with a cutting edge to cultivate and produce ethanol without much loss.
Yeasts, especially S. cerevisiae, have long been the masters of alcoholic fermentation. They play a pivotal role in one of the world’s most critical biotechnological sectors. The scope of yeast metabolic engineering and synthetic biology will significantly benefit future industrial bioethanol production system projects. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast is an important microorganism used in many sectors. It helps to make various commercial products such as baked goods, alcoholic beverages, biofuels, and medications.
Bioethanol has the potential to significantly reduce the adverse effects of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, thereby limiting global warming. Particularly with the policies, there is still considerable space for improvement. However, analysing the future market demand, ethanol manufacturing seems to have a promising future.
Fossil fuels are the ancient deposits of decomposed animal and plant remains found in the earth’s crust. They are of three major types: coal, oil and natural gas. The extracted deposits are rich in hydrocarbon compounds. Also, fossil fuels have been the primary energy source for producing heat and electricity. Three notable examples are natural gas for heating, crude oil for transportation and coal-fired electricity. However, as you can see, these fuels have been part of our life for a long time. But unfortunately, there is natural resource depletion around the globe. Also, they are a non-renewable source of energy which adds to the disadvantage. So it is essential to save the remaining fossil fuel deposits for the future.
Pollution caused by the combustion of fossil fuels is more lethal than predicted.
Pollution from fine particulates caused by the combustion of fossil fuels caused the premature death of people in 2018. Based on this, Harvard University, the University of Birmingham, and Leicester University conducted research. The researchers discovered that pollution from fossil fuel combustion killed 8 million prematurely worldwide.
According to reports, three hundred fifty thousand people have died in the United States alone. The primary causes were chronic medical conditions such as lung cancer, heart attacks, and dementia. Similarly, pregnant women and low-income people are more prone to the risk of fine particulate pollution. Thus, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels would improve our health and stimulate the economy by creating new job opportunities.
Burning of Fossil Fuels Causes
Warming Planet: Burning these fuels emits a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO2). Oil, coal, and gas combustion meet our energy needs but contribute to global warming. These emissions trap heat in the atmosphere, causing climate change. The transportation and power sector utilises these burned fossil fuels the most. They account for roughly three-quarters of carbon emissions in the United States.
Forms of air pollution: The burning of fossil fuels emits carbon dioxide and other harmful gases. Such as coal-powered plants generate 35 per cent of toxic mercury and sulfur dioxide emissions in the United States. These emissions have contributed to acid rain and soot particles in the atmosphere. Also, poisonous gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide released by fossil-fuel-powered vehicles cause smog on hot days. They can lead to respiratory illnesses if exposed for an extended period.
Ocean acidification: By burning oil, coal, and gas, we change the ocean’s chemistry, making it more acidic. Our oceans can absorb up to a quarter of all carbon emissions. The oceans have become 30% more acidic since the industrial revolution. There is also a decrease in calcium carbonate from the sea. It is a substance which helps marine creatures to form new shells. In addition, increased acidity causes slower growth rates and weakened shells. As a result, the entire aquatic food chain is in chaos.
Phasing out fossil fuels
It is undeniable that using fossil fuels has disastrous effects. The melting of ice caps, rising sea levels, extreme heat, and cold weather are all consequences of fossil fuel consumption. These impacts on both people and the economy will cause more delays in the transition process of phasing out fossil fuels. Governments, businesses and communities are increasingly imposing the need for a quicker transition. But unfortunately, each group are setting a higher expectation for the other.
There is also an increased urge from companies to use environmental, social and corporate governance targets and metrics based on ESG investments. All of these are reshaping the financial and economic standards. These organisations are decarbonising their operations. Banks, insurers, and institutional investors are steering toward the “net-zero concept“. Financial systems are also rapidly emerging as critical enablers of the phasing-out process. Many changes are happening due to the phasing out of fossil fuels. But there is a risk of delay in the process. The sectors are more or less dependent on each other, and the cost of decarbonisation is high. All these complications also delay the transition phase as people tend to postpone taking action and prefer a more convenient alternative.
Transition to Renewable energy
While renewable energy sources like wind, solar and geothermal are starting to replace fossil fuels in certain sectors. It still seems far-fetched that the world’s rapid use of fossil fuels can end sooner. However, according to experts, the progress can become a reality with providing enough time and initiatives.
All these require massive changes in transportation alternatives. Still, the most challenging issue would be shifting power supply frameworks.
If renewable resources compete significantly with the fossil fuel industry, we need to begin subsidising them more than fossil fuels.
Fossil fuel companies and utility companies deal with politics since they carried out electricity in the early 1900s, making it challenging to unravel their hold over the energy market since so many stakes are at play.
Since the intention behind these effects is to improve the world, there are a lot of green energy laws and policies that promise to deliver accurate results. Therefore, people seem to think the “green transition” status is active.
At this transition rate, it’s no longer practical for the rich and powerful to deny the reality of global warming and other environmental challenges.
The “green initiatives” are picking up pace, pointing to the worldwide interest in investing in renewable energy and other green advancements over the past decade.
When you look at the raw numbers, they seem to provide some backing for the argument. Global investment in renewables led by the International Energy Agency (IEA) to come in at US$367 billion in 2021—up from $359 billion in 2020 and $336 billion in 2019. That’s a lot of new wind turbines, solar panels and hydroelectric power stations.
Bioenergy
Bioenergy, a type of renewable energy, is an essential substitute for modern potential’s ozone-depleting substance (GHG). All resources are sustainable energy, usually utilized for a bioenergy framework. Specific ongoing frameworks and key future advancements, such as perennial cropping systems, waste and livestock manure utilization, and technologically advanced transition systems, can deliver an 80 per cent to 90 per cent discharge reduction in carbon emission compared to fossil fuel standards.
Direct combustion is the most widely recognized strategy to convert biomass into utilizable energy. Steam turbines provide power by burning biomass, which also includes electricity for industrial processes and buildings.
Direct and Indirect land conversion is taking place due to the rising demand for biomass. This conversion is causing an increase in GHG emissions. The practices of land alterations impact the carbon emissions and vegetation of the soil by absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. Strategies to mitigate the effects of land use change are increasing the number of energy crops grown on low-carbon pastureland and utilizing agricultural and forestry waste. Crops that provide nutrients and fibre and are a source of bioenergy can be planted in an integrated production system reducing the land-use effects and enhancing the land’s usefulness.
The goal of increasing biofuel output will be aided by the evaluation of innovative production and management techniques, crops, cropping systems that are responsive to local conditions, and policies that promote environmentally beneficial outcomes.
Processes and Techniques in Treating Biomass
Scientists are working on different techniques to foster alternate ways of converting and utilizing more biomass energy.
Thermochemical conversion of biomass incorporates pyrolysis and gasification. Both are thermal deterioration processes in which biomass feedstock materials are heated in shut, compressed vessels called gasifiers at high temperatures. They vary in the process temperatures and measures of oxygen present during the cycle. Pyrolysis involves heating organic materials to 800-900°F(400-500℃) when almost oxygen-free. Biomass pyrolysis produces fuels like charcoal, bio-oil, diesel, methane and hydrogen.
Hydrotreating is utilized to process bio-oil (created by rapid pyrolysis) with hydrogen under elevated temperatures and pressures with the activator to produce renewable gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
Gasification involves processing organic materials to 1400-1700°F (800-900℃)with infusions of a controlled percentage of oxygen and steam into the vessel to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen-rich gas called synthesis gas or syngas. Syngas can be utilized to fuel diesel motors, heat, and generate electricity in gas turbines. Similarly, it can be processed to extract the hydrogen from the gas; the hydrogen can then be burned or used in fuel cells. The Fischer-Tropsch method can be applied to the syngas to process them further and create liquid fuels.
Transesterification is a chemical process that converts unsaturated fat”methyl esters” (FAME) from vegetable oils, animal fats, and lubricants into biodiesel.
Biological conversion incorporates a fermentation process to convert biomass into ethanol and anaerobic processing to produce renewable natural gas. Renewable natural gas, also called biogas or biomethane, is produced in anaerobic digesters at sewage treatment with plants, dairy and livestock activities. It also forms or could be captured from solid waste landfills. Properly treated renewable natural gas has similar purposes to non-renewable natural gas.
In 2020, biomass provided around 4,532 trillion British thermal units (TBtu), or about 4.5 quadrillions Btu, equivalent to 4.9% of total U.S. primary energy consumption. Of that sum, around 2,101 TBtu were from wood and wood-derived biomass, 2000 TBtu were from biofuels (essentially ethanol), and 430 TBtu were from the biomass in municipal wastes. The sum in TBtu and percentage shares of total U.S. biomass energy use by the consuming sector in 2020 were: Industrial—2,246 TBtu—(50%) Transportation—1,263 TBtu—(28%) Residential—458 TBtu—(10%) Electric power—424 TBtu— (9%) Commercial—141 TBtu—(3%) Industrial and transportation represent the most extensive amounts. In terms of energy content, Wood products and paper ventures use biomass in consolidated intensity and power plants to process heat and produce power. Liquid biofuels (ethanol and biomass-based diesel) represent a large portion of the transportation area’s biomass consumption.
The residential and commercial use firewood and wood pellets for heating. In some cases, the retail sector sells the additional renewable natural gas produced at municipal sewage treatment and waste landfills. The purpose of these impacts is to change the world with green energy laws and activities to draw attention to the effects. Unfortunately, people are still unaware of the green transition and its impact. At this transition rate, it’s no longer practical for the rich and powerful to deny the reality of global warming and other environmental challenges. The “green initiatives” are picking up pace, pointing to the worldwide interest in investing in renewable energy and other green advancements over the past decade. The Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) is teaming up with industries to develop next-generation biofuels made from wastes, cellulosic biomass, and algae-based resources. BETO is focused on developing hydrocarbon biofuels-otherwise called drop-in fuels, which can act as petrol substitutes in refineries, tanks, pipelines, pumps, vehicles, and smaller engines.
Bioethanol
Ethanol is renewable hydrolysis or sugar fermentation fuel derived from bioresources (biomass).
It is alcohol based blending agent with gas to build octane and cut down carbon monoxide and other smog-causing emanations.
The most common ethanol blend is E10 (10% ethanol, 90%gasoline), compatible with most conventional fuel-controlled vehicles up to E15 (15 per cent ethanol, 85 per cent gas).
Flex Fuel Vehicles can run on ethanol-blended gasoline. They can run on E85, an elective fuel with a much higher ethanol content than regular gas (a gas ethanol mix containing 51 per cent -83 per cent ethanol, depending on geography and season). In the United States, ethanol accounts for 97 per cent of all fuel.
Plant starches and sugars are the major sources of producing ethanol. Yet, researchers are proceeding to foster innovations that would consider the utilisation of cellulose and hemicellulose, the non-consumable fibrous material that comprises the bulk of plant matter.
The usual method of changing from biomass to ethanol is ageing; during ageing, microbes utilise plant sugars and produce bioethanol.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a fluid fuel from vegetable oils and animal fats.
It is a cleaner consumption substitution for oil-based fuel. Hence, It is non-toxic and biodegradable
Usually made by mixing alcohol with vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled cooking grease.
It is fuel compression-ignition (diesel) engines like petroleum-derived diesel.
Usual blends of biodiesel mixed with petroleum diesel includes B100 (pure biodiesel) and the most common blend, B20 (a blend containing 20% biodiesel and 80% petrol diesel).
Renewable hydrocarbons “Drop-In” fuels
Gas, diesel and Jet fuel contain a combination of hydrocarbon particles burned to produce energy.
Hydrocarbons produced from biomass sources through organic and thermochemical processes are sustainable.
Biomass-based sustainable hydrocarbon fuels are almost identical to the petroleum-based energy source designed to replace them.
They’re viable with today’s engines, pumps, and other infrastructure.
India’s Initiatives
India has over two decades of experience in planning and implementing bioenergy programs. These programs have undergone changes, reflecting the elements of the policy environment.
Due to rapid economic development, India has one of the world’s fastest-growing energy markets. By 2035, India aims to be the second-largest contributor to global energy demand, accounting for 18% of the increase in global energy consumption.
In 2020-21, the per-capita energy consumption was 0.6557 Mtoe, excluding conventional biomass use.
The energy intensity of the Indian economy is 0.2233 Mega Joules per INR (53.4 kcal/INR).
Net energy import dependency was 41.2 in 2020-21.
India’s developing energy demands and limited domestic oil and gas reserves, the nation has ambitious projects to grow its sustainable and nuclear power program.
India has the world’s fourth-biggest wind power market and plans to add around 100,000 MW of solar power by 2022. India also plans to increase its contribution towards nuclear power for overall electricity generation capacity from 4.2% to 9% within 25 years. The nation has five nuclear reactors under development (third highest in the world) and plans to build 18 additional atomic reactors (2nd highest in the world) by 2025. During the year 2018, India’s total investment in the energy sector was 4.1% (US$75 billion) of US$1.85 trillion worldwide investment.
In November 2021, the nation promised to arrive at net-zero emanations in 2070. It declared a target of 45% by 2030 to reduce its CO2 emission intensity of GDP, yet the reference used for this target has not been revealed. In its most memorable NDC, India designated a decrease of its CO2 power by 33-35% by 2030 compared to 2005.
The nation also aims for 40% of the total electricity capacity based on non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 (32% in 2020). In 2019, the public authority declared a 100% railway electrification target in 2030 as part of its strategy to deduct the country’s Co2 emissions.
The experience shows that in spite of several financial incentives and favourable policy measures, the rate of effect of Bioenergy Technologies (BETs) is low because of the industrial, technical, market and credit barriers.
Initiatives and policies barriers to “BET”
Rational and Economic tariffs.
Inducement to promote private sector participation.
Motivating institutions and empowering the community.
Financial support for the large-scale presentation programs and for focused research and development
Land tenure arrangements to produce and promote biomass.
The worldwide mechanism for addressing environmental changes like the Clean Development Mechanism(CDM) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is an incentive promoter for BETs.
Strategy to reduce Fossil Fuel Consumption
Elimination of fossil fuel subsidies creates $35 billion from the taxpayer’s reserves fund allotted for future sustainable projects.
Increase the social cost of carbons (SCC). It has been unaccounted for damage to the ecosystem through carbon emission for years. U.S. Federal government uses SCC to evaluate the climate impacts of policies.
A government clean power standard requires a percentage of electricity sold by the utilities to come from clean electricity sources. Such a standard exists in a few states and usually involves a share of clean energy on the electric grid, increasing over time.
Price to be paid on carbon emission by the emitters. Carbon pricing policies can strategise in various ways, which in return help to cut down the emission in the long run. Trading off the emission is also a way which is similar to the Northeast’s Regional Greenhouse Initiative, in which the market decided on a carbon cost. Thus, all these initiatives will decrease the emission of Co2 and create a new income stream for clean energy investments.
In short, all these changes would affect our planet. We habitants are responsible for taking initiatives accordingly so that we and our future generations don’t have to face the worst possible outcomes. Also, If we do not change ourselves to better alternatives, we might run out of resources faster than we all anticipated. So, it’s crucial for a dynamic change that might help us preserve the remaining fossil fuel for best use and switch to a better world of renewable energy sources.
Decide you are not going to give up our planet without a struggle – Act now!!!
Fuel for the future generation and for sustainable environment
Second-generation Bioethanol (2G), also referred to as next-generation biofuels, are fuels that are manufactured from various types of non-food biomass. It is produced from lignocellulosic biomass, such as agricultural residues comprising stocks and stems from cereal crops like rice, maize, etc. and uses industrial by-products such as crude glycerol as feedstock. Lignocellulose is considered a renewable and inexpensive carbon source, and its availability depends on crops grown in specific regions. Various types of plant biomass, like dedicated energy crops, have also been used in the production of such biofuels. Maximum potential sources of lignocellulosic biomass include agricultural waste (wheat straw, corn cob, rice husk, cereal straw, and bagasse), industrial waste (brewer’s spent grains and grains from distilleries), municipal solid wastes (food waste, craft paper, and paper sludge containing cellulose). Forest-based woody wastes are the other potential sources of lignocellulosic biomass.
The most striking difference between first-generation and second-generation biofuels is that the former is produced directly from edible portion of crops like rice and other cereals, maize, sugar beet and cane whereas the latter is produced from industrial and household wastes and residuals.
Why is 2nd Generation bioethanol (2G) a better choice?
Bioethanol is considered to be a very effective alternative compared to fossil fuels since it is a renewable energy source which has a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But the use of first-generation bioethanol can lead to competition between land use for agricultural purposes and energy production needs and the significant prioritization of fuel versus food. Hence, the 2G bioethanol will be an attractive option as it eliminates this issue and also allows the use of waste as biomass.
Second-generation biofuels are mainly used to overcome the constraints of original biofuels.
The primary benefit of 2nd generation bioethanol is that it offers greater benefits in terms of environmental performance, improved energy efficiency, enhanced the ability to use lower cost and more widely available feedstock and also the ability to easily get integrated into existing fuel supply and distribution systems.
It is a more environmentally friendly renewable fuel which can be directly used by the transportation sector as liquid fuel or by blending with petrol in specific proportions.
Moreover, compared to first-generation biofuels, second-generation (2G) biofuels generate a higher energy yield per acre.
Further, our country has been encouraging the manufacturing of 2G bioethanol to achieve its E20 target, i.e. the 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025. It helps the country with agricultural waste incineration and also to meet the goal of converting waste into energy.
Converting agricultural waste into biofuels will reduce toxic air pollution to a great extent, especially in the northern states of the country, where open field burning of agricultural residues, especially during October/ November every year is a common practice.
It should also be noted that the use of biofuels to replace fossil fuels will lead to a significant reduction in GHG emissions. Studies show that 2G bioethanol has a higher GHG reduction potential than its first-generation counterpart.
2G biofuels are highly inexpensive compared to other existing fossil fuels.
Bioenergy Basics
To meet our growing energy demand, bioenergy will be one among many diverse resources available at the time. From burning wood to create heat to using biodiesel and ethanol for vehicles and using methane gas and wood to generate electricity can be included as examples of bioenergy. Further, it can also include the more recent forms of bioenergy use materials named ‘biomass’ such as sugarcane, grasses, straw, soybeans and corn.
In short, bioenergy is an energy source which is derived from biological sources i.e. living things and their metabolic products. It can be in the form of heat, light, electricity or fuel aiding transportation.
What are sources of bioenergy present out there?
The biological source used to create bioenergy is called biomass. At present, there are many different types which are constantly in development. And broad categories of such sources include;
Wood including wood chips, sawdust and other forestry by-products
Animal fat waste cooking oil
Algae purpose-grown plants (energy crops)
Effluents from livestock
Human waste organic fraction of municipal waste
Thus bioenergy is diverse since the productions can be tailor-made according to different regions of the country.
Biofuels include fuels mainly used for transportation like ethanol and biodiesel, which are produced by converting biomass into liquid fuels. Biofuels can be used even in airlines and most vehicles on the road today. Such renewable transportation fuels, which are functionally equivalent to petroleum, will lower the carbon intensity of vehicles and airlines.
Bio-power:
These technologies convert renewable biomass fuels into heat and electricity. By the process of burning, bacterial decay, or the conversion of gas or liquid fuel. Bio-power can offset the need for burned carbon fuels, especially in power plants, lowering the carbon intensity of electricity generation. Bio-power can increase the flexibility of electricity generation and improve the reliability of electric grids.
Bioproducts:
Apart from electricity and fuels, biomass can also be converted into chemicals. It involves the production of plastics, lubricants, industrial chemicals, and other products typically made from petroleum or natural gas. The existing petroleum refinery models integrated with bio-refineries can produce bioproducts alongside biofuels. And such a co-production strategy leads to a more efficient, cost-effective, and integrated approach to the country’s biomass resources. Further, the revenue generated from such bio-products will offer added value. It also helps improve the economies of bio-refinery operations and creates a more cost-competitive biofuel.
Applications and efficiency of biomass
The application of bioenergy or biomass can be segmented into two;
Direct Biomass Application: Direct application of biomass includes direct combustion or co-firing with fossil fuels.
Indirect Biomass Application: There is a number of non-combustion methods available for converting biomass into energy forms. In such a process, raw biomass is converted into a variety of gaseous, liquid or solid fuels, which are directly used for energy generation. The carbohydrates in biomass, comprised of oxygen-carbon and hydrogen, can be breakdown into a variety of chemicals. And some of these can be used as fuels;
Thermo-chemical:
When plant matter is heated instead of burning, it results in various gases, liquids, and solids. And these products can be further processed and refined into many useful fuels, like methane and alcohol. Biomass gasifiers can capture methane released from plants and burn it in a gas turbine to produce electricity. Another approach to do this can be to take these fuels and run them through fuel cells, thereby converting hydrogen-rich fuels into electricity and water with few or no emissions.
Biochemical:
Bacteria, yeasts and enzymes will also turn into carbohydrates. Further, fermentation converts biomass liquids into alcohol, a combustible fuel. An almost similar process is used for converting corn into grain alcohol or ethanol, which is further mixed with the gasoline to make gasohol. Similarly, methane and carbon dioxide are also produced when the bacteria break down the biomass, which can be captured in sewage treatment plants and landfills and burnt for heat and power.
Chemical:
Soybean and canola oil, two types of biomass oils, can be used to convert into liquid fuel that is similar to diesel fuel and also into gasoline additives. Biodiesel can also be produced from algae as a source of oils. Biodiesel is produced by combining alcohol with vegetable oil, animal fat or recycled cooking grease, that can be used as an additive for minimising vehicular emissions or as an alternative fuel for diesel engines.
Advantages of a robust bioenergy industry
Studies show that abundant and renewable bioenergy can lead to a more secure, sustainable and economically sound time ahead. And this becomes possible by;
Supplying domestic and clean energy sources
Reducing the country’s dependence on foreign oil
Generating more employment opportunities within the country
Revitalising rural economies.
Grandview research on ethanol sources for production
