Context:
Uttar Pradesh’s Chief minister announced to become a leader in the country in the production of biofuel ethanol.
Production in UP
- Ethanol production in Uttar Pradesh increased from 153.71 crore litres (2022-23) to 180 crore litres (2023-24).
- Uttar Pradesh’s installed ethanol production capacity for 2024-25 is 223.9 crore litres, second only to Maharashtra’s 305.1 crore litres.
- Ethanol blending in petrol in Uttar Pradesh increased from 12.4% in 2022-23 to 14% in 2023-24, highlighting the state’s progress in meeting the national target for cleaner energy and reducing reliance on imported oil.
About Ethanol
- Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid with a sweet flavor in dilute solutions and a burning taste in concentrated forms.
- It melts at -114.1°C, boils at 78.5°C, and has a density of 0.789 g/ml at 20°C.
- Ethanol can be blended with petrol in various concentrations up to pure ethanol (E100) to reduce petroleum fuel consumption and air pollution.