Rajya Sabha
During the last three years the Government has taken various steps to develop and promote use of alternative fuels like ethanol, bio-diesel and hydrogen for transport applications.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) has mandated the use of 5% Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP), subject to commercial viability in the entire country except North-Eastern States, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshdweep with effect from 1st November 2006. As a result, release of 5% EBP has commenced at all locations in 15 States and 4 Union Territories.
The Government has further decided that since 9th October 2007, 5% blending of ethanol with petrol will be mandatory and 10% blending will be optional and thereafter mandatory from October 2008. The modalities for implementation are being worked by the MoP&NG in consultation with stakeholders.
A broad based programme for research & development, production and utilization of bio-diesel is under implementation by different Ministries.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has prepared a Draft National Policy on Bio-fuels. Under its ongoing Research, Development and Demonstration Programmes, MNRE has supported field trials of different blends of bio-diesel in diesel cars, use of hydrogen as fuel in motorcycles and three-wheelers and introduction of hydrogen - compressed natural gas (CNG) blends in different vehicles. In addition, support is also being provided for development & promotion of battery operated vehicles.
This information was given by the Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Vilas Muttemwar, in a written reply to a question by Shri S. Anbalagan in the Rajya Sabha today.
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(Release ID :36557)