India Aims to Shift from Importer to Exporter Status with Ethanol and Hydrogen Fuel Options

India Poised to Shift from Energy Importer to Exporter

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday stated that India now has the potential to shift from being an energy-importing nation to an energy exporter, citing the changing geopolitical scenario due to the West Asia crisis and the country's progress on ethanol, hydrogen, and sustainable aviation fuel.

Speaking at the launch of Maruti Suzuki's first flex-fuel car in India, Gadkari emphasized that India's dependence on fossil fuels is both an economic burden and an environmental hazard. He noted that the country spends a staggering Rs 22 lakh crore annually on fuel imports, highlighting the need for clean energy adoption to drive the nation's progress.

India's progress in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production has been notable, with the country currently producing 78,000 tonnes of SAF per year. This production level has the potential to make India a net SAF exporter within two years. The government also aims to eventually use SAF to power fighter jets and helicopters.

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To reduce air pollution, which is a significant problem in India, Gadkari advocated for promoting alternative fuels, including ethanol and compressed natural gas (CNG). The minister noted that the transport sector is responsible for 40% of pollution in the country.

The move to produce ethanol from corn has generated an additional income of Rs 45,000 crore for farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Prior to this decision, the market price of corn was Rs 1,200 per quintal, while the minimum support price (MSP) was Rs 1,800 per quintal. After the decision, the price of corn rose to Rs 2,800 per quintal.

Gadkari also highlighted the potential of hydrogen as a fuel of the future. The government has identified 10 highway stretches across the country for plying green hydrogen-powered trucks with the aim of reducing vehicular pollution.

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The automobile sector has made significant contributions to India's economic growth, with the sector contributing maximum Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the Centre and state governments. The sector also provides employment to 4.5 crore youth. Under Gadkari's leadership, the size of the Indian automobile industry has grown from Rs 14 lakh crore to Rs 23 lakh crore.