India Energy Week | 13 Feb 2023

Why in News?

On February 6th, 2023, Indian Prime Minister (PM) inaugurated the India Energy Week (IEW) 2023 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

  • The PM also launched E20 fuel at 84 Retail Outlets of Oil Marketing Companies in 11 States/UTs and flagged off the Green Mobility Rally organised by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)

What is the E-20 Ethanol Fuel and Green Mobility Rally?

  • E-20 Ethanol Fuel:
    • About:
      • Ethanol Blending programme has been a key focus area of the Government to achieve Atma Nirbharta in the field of energy.
      • E20 is a blend of 20% ethanol with petrol. The Government aims to achieve a complete 20% blending of ethanol by 2025, and HPCL and other oil marketing companies are setting up 2G-3G ethanol plants that will facilitate the progress.
    • Achievement So Far:
      • Due to the sustained efforts of the Government, Ethanol production capacity has seen six times increase since 2013-14.
      • The achievements under Ethanol Blending Program & Biofuels Program have not only augmented India’s energy security but have also resulted in a host of other benefits including reduction of 318 Lakh Metric Tonnes of CO2 emissions and foreign exchange savings of around Rs 54,000 crore.
  • Green Mobility Rally:
    • The Green Mobility Rally's purpose was to raise public awareness for green fuels.
      • It saw the participation of 57 vehicles running on sustainable energy sources such as E20, E85, Flex Fuel, Hydrogen, Electric, etc.
    • Green mobility refers to the use of environmentally-friendly and sustainable transportation options to reduce carbon emissions and preserve natural resources.
    • With proper policy support, industry action, market generation, increased investor interest and acceptance, India can position itself as a low-cost, zero-carbon manufacturing hub in green mobility, at the same time fulfilling its goal of economic development, job creation, and improved public health.
  • Other Initiatives:
    • The PM also launched the uniforms under the ‘Unbottled’ initiative of Indian Oil. These uniforms are made of recycled PET bottles.
    • The PM also dedicated the twin-cooktop model of the Indian Oil’s Indoor Solar Cooking System and flagged off its commercial roll-out.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q1. In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements: (2019)

  1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions.
  2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
  3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
  4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 4 only 
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (b)

Q2. Given below are the names of four energy crops. Which one of them can be cultivated for ethanol? (2010)

(a) Jatropha
(b) Maize 
(c) Pongamia 
(d) Sunflower

Ans: (b)

Q3. According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? (2020)

  1. Cassava
  2. Damaged wheat grains
  3. Groundnut seeds
  4. Horse gram
  5. Rotten potatoes
  6. Sugar beet

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Ans: (a)

Mains

Q. National urban transport policy emphasises on moving people instead of moving vehicles. Discuss critically the success of various strategies of the government in this regard. (2014)

Source: PIB