Experiments are being carried out to see the effects of ethanol-blended diesel on engine components.
Indian Oil and two domestic engine manufacturers are said to be working on 5% ethanol blending in diesel.
According to SSV Ramakumar, Director (R&D), Indian Oil Corporation, research on ethanol blended diesel is currently ongoing at laboratories and R&D centres of two engine manufacturers.
Ramakumar added that ethanol-blended diesel might cause some issues with the fuel injectors. Therefore, experiments are being carried out to see the effects of ethanol-blended diesel on engine components.
Diesel is the primary fuel used in the transportation sector. Ethanol blending is expected to reduce our dependence on crude oil imports, as ethanol can be produced locally through natural sources.
At present, petrol sold in India consists of 10% ethanol. The government aims to raise this to 20% by 2025. Ramakumar said that studies for the introduction of E20 fuel in existing vehicles are almost complete, while long-duration endurance trials are likely to be completed by July 2023.
Keyword: Indian Oil working on 5% ethanol blended diesel