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NITI Aayog's 'Methanol Economy' programme

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Polity & Governance
  • Published
    11th Sep, 2021

For day-to-day needs, people are dependent on a finite fuel energy source (fossil fuels), which is not only causing irreparable damage to human life and health and taking a toll on the environment. 

Context

For day-to-day needs, people are dependent on a finite fuel energy source (fossil fuels), which is not only causing irreparable damage to human life and health and taking a toll on the environment. 

In this regard, NITI Aayog’s  'Methanol Economy' programme aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuel and provide a sustainable alternative to conserve the environment.

What is methanol?

  • Methanol is a low carbon, hydrogen carrier fuel produced from high ash coal, agricultural residue, CO2 from thermal power plants and natural gas.
  • 'Methanol can replace both fuels, petrol and diesel in 
    • Transport sector (road, rail and marine).
    • Energy sector (comprising DG sets, boilers, process heating modules, tractors and commercial vehicles).
    • Retail cooking (replacing LPG [partially], kerosene and wood charcoal).

Fossil Fuels

  • Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources where stored energy is released through combustion, such as coal, natural gas, petroleum and they account for almost 80% of energy used worldwide. 

How can it help to bring down GHG?

  • Blending of 15% methanol in gasoline can result in at least 15% reduction in the import of gasoline/crude oil. 
    • This would bring down GHG emissions by 20% in terms of particulate matter, NOx, and SOx, thereby improving the urban air quality.

Other sources like solar and electrical energy are also emerging as alternative energy sources to support our manufacturing and transportation needs. 

About methanol economy programme

  • NITI Aayog's 'Methanol Economy' programme is aimed at reducing India's oil import bill, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and converting coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol.

Objectives of Methanol Economy programme 

  • The Methanol Economy will also create close to 5 million jobs through methanol production/application and distribution services.
  • Rs 6000 crore can be saved annually by blending 20% DME (Di-methyl Ether, a derivative of methanol) in LPG. 
    • This will help the consumer in saving between Rs 50-100 per cylinder.

Important Regulations 

  • The Bureau of Indian Standards has notified 20% DME blending with LPG.
  • M-15, M-85, M-100 blends have been issued by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways. 
  • Test standards and plans for the M-15 blend are being developed in consultation with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Automotive Research Association of India and Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. 
  • In the railway sector, RDSO is working towards blending methanol in the range of 5-20% through direct fuel injection in locomotives.

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