changeadminIndia launched multiple initiatives in the field of green energy at India Energy Week (IEW) 2023. Hosted in India’s leading city for information technology, Bengaluru. The event is aimed to showcase India’s rising prowess as an energy transition powerhouse.
A slew of green initiatives was launched at the event by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A couple of the initiatives were exclusively developed by the Indian Oil Corporation, which is a state-run undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
E20 Fuel
The ethanol blending program has been a key focus area of the government to achieve self-reliance in the field of energy. Due to multiple policy actions of the Indian government, ethanol production capacity has seen a six-times increase since 2013-14.
The achievements in the course of the last eight years under the Ethanol Blending Program & Biofuels Program have not only augmented India’s energy security but have also resulted in a host of other benefits including the reduction of 318 Lakh Metric Tonnes of CO2 emissions and foreign exchange savings of around Rs 54,000 crore. As a result, there has been a payment of around Rs 81,800 crore towards ethanol supplies from 2014 to 2022 and a transfer of more than Rs 49,000 crore to farmers.
As part of this initiative, India will launch E20 fuel at 84 retail outlets of Oil Marketing Companies in 11 States/UTs. E20 is a blend of 20% ethanol with petrol. The government aims to achieve a complete 20% blending of ethanol by 2025, and oil marketing companies are setting up 2G-3G ethanol plants that will facilitate the progress.
‘Unbottled’ initiative of Indian Oil
The ‘Unbottled’ initiative of Indian Oil was also launched at India Energy Week. The initiative is driven by India’s endeavor to phase out single-use plastic and incorporate a circular economy. Indian Oil has adopted uniforms for retail customer attendants and LPG delivery personnel made from recycled polyester (rPET) & cotton.
Each set of uniforms of Indian Oil’s customer attendants shall support the recycling of around 28 used PET bottles. Indian Oil is taking this initiative further through ‘Unbottled’ – a brand for sustainable garments launched for merchandise made from recycled polyester. Under this brand, Indian Oil targets to meet the requirement of uniforms for the customer attendants of other oil marketing companies, non-combat uniforms for the Army, uniforms/ dresses for Institutions & sales to retail customers.
Twin-Cooktop Model ofIndoor Solar Cooking System
Indian Oil developed a twin-cooktop indoor Solar Cooking System that was also launched for commercial bookings. IndianOil had earlier developed an innovative and patented Indoor Solar Cooking System with a single cooktop. On the basis of feedback received, the twin-cooktop Indoor Solar Cooking system has been designed to offer more flexibility and ease to the users. The indoor solar cooking solution works on both solar and auxiliary energy sources simultaneously, making it a reliable cooking solution for India and developing economies.
Wrapping Up
Energy will play a critical role in India’s commitment to climate change mitigation goals and achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
One of the key green initiatives that India plans to take is in the green hydrogen space and replace grey hydrogen to increase its share to 25 percent in the next five years
In the recent Budget, the government announced an allocation of ₹35,000 crores to the petroleum and natural gas ministry focusing on green growth. Multiple programs and policies for the efficient use of energy across various economic sectors are envisaged.
The green initiatives of India Energy Week might be a small step towards green growth that India plans to achieve.
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