Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has said that the government is actively exploring the possibility of blending up to 10% isobutanol with diesel to cut down vehicular emissions and reduce dependency on traditional fossil fuels.
Speaking at a recent industry event, Gadkari stressed the urgent need to adopt alternative fuels that are both sustainable and cost-effective. He highlighted that isobutanol, an advanced biofuel, has properties that make it a strong candidate for blending with conventional fuels without major changes in existing vehicle engines.
“Our aim is to bring down pollution levels and reduce crude oil imports. Blending 10% isobutanol with diesel can be a significant step in that direction,” Gadkari said.
Why Isobutanol?
- Cleaner fuel option: Produces fewer carbon emissions compared to pure diesel.
- Engine compatibility: Can be used with minimal modifications.
- Energy efficiency: Offers better mileage than several other biofuel alternatives.
Industry Push
The minister added that pilot projects are already under consideration, and technical feasibility studies are being carried out in collaboration with oil marketing companies and automotive manufacturers.
Future Roadmap
India has already moved forward with ethanol blending in petrol, targeting 20% ethanol-petrol blending by 2025. Now, a similar push for isobutanol in diesel could mark another milestone in India’s clean energy transition.
If implemented successfully, this initiative is expected to not only help India meet its climate commitments but also provide a boost to the domestic biofuel sector.