India requires diverse sources of energy to ensure its energy security.

India is currently taking steps to promote the use of ethanol in various sectors, not just as a fuel additive for gasoline. This has sparked a debate on whether the country is moving too quickly towards a fuel that may have more drawbacks than benefits. The concerns raised include potential damage to vehicles, decreased fuel efficiency, depletion of groundwater, food security risks, and low energy density.

Many experts believe that the future of biofuels lies in converting non-food sources such as crop residues, municipal waste, and other biomass into cleaner fuels. While the proposal to blend 10% ethanol with gasoline (E10) may bring profits to distilleries, it has been questioned for its low burning capacity, high-water content, and uncertain impact on vehicle performance. There is also a lack of evidence to support the government's plan to use ethanol in aviation fuel.

The current ethanol blending program in India has led to a shift in crop priorities, with farmers choosing to grow crops like maize instead of pulses and oilseeds, which poses a risk to food security. The Economic Survey has warned of increased dependence on edible oil imports and volatile food prices, highlighting the conflict between energy and food self-sufficiency. The diversion of crops like sugarcane, rice, and maize to ethanol production also has negative consequences, such as raising food prices, worsening groundwater depletion, and increasing feed costs for livestock.

This can have a detrimental effect on the poultry and dairy industries. Additionally, using water-intensive crops for ethanol production adds to India's growing water crisis. Given the potential risks, experts suggest that the government should withdraw the ethanol blending program until thorough and prolonged tests are conducted in government labs.

The government has not clarified how this decision was made without proper research and lab clearance. In contrast, Brazil took a phased approach over several decades to develop its ethanol ecosystem, working closely with auto manufacturers and gradually upgrading fuel pumps, vehicle engines, and sugarcane production. Brazil never made ethanol use compulsory and focused on developing a fully ethanol-compliant engine.

In contrast, India seems to be in a hurry to implement the blending program without proper preparation and a scientific approach, driven solely by profit. The recent study on E20 by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) did not completely disapprove of the use of ethanol but highlighted potential issues such as accelerated deterioration of fuel systems in older vehicles designed for E10. However, over 90% of vehicles in India are not E20 compliant, making it challenging to implement the blending program.

It is crucial to consider the full life cycle of ethanol and other biofuels, not just their impact on tailpipe emissions. Instead of solely focusing on ethanol, India should also explore other sources like compressed biogas, sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, and bioethanol from non-food sources like farm residues, municipal waste, and stubble. Ethanol alone cannot help India achieve its climate goals, just like electric vehicles alone cannot.

A comprehensive strategy that includes renewable electricity, electric mobility, green hydrogen, and advanced biofuels is necessary. Therefore, the push for ethanol seems misplaced, and the math surrounding its carbon footprint is complicated due to its lower energy density. It may not be as cost-effective as initially thought, and it cannot fully replace petroleum fuels in industries like aviation, shipping, and heavy commercial vehicles.

Alternatively, it could serve as a backup fuel, but not as a regular one due to its high costs and environmental hazards.