Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) on Monday organised a one-day Biofuel Exhibition at Imphal Depot, Malom, Imphal West as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration and activities to be undertaken from February to August.
Speaking on the occasion, chief depot manager, Imphal Depot, Stephen C Guite said biofuel is a benevolent option that not only solves the environmental issues but also brings with it several possibilities for positive transformation.
He said India initiated bio-fuel production nearly a decade ago to reduce its dependence on imported oil and thus improve energy security. The country began a 5 per cent ethanol blending (E5) pilot programme in 2001 and formulated the National Mission on Biodiesel in 2013 to achieve 20 per cent biodiesel blends by 2011-2012, said Guite.
In India, as an alternative source of energy, Indian Oil is focussing on Compress Natural Gas (CNG), Auto gas (LPG), ethanol blended petrol, bio-diesel and hydrogen energy. Indian Oil has established a feasibility of ethanol blending up to 10 per cent which is now gaining acceptance of vehicle manufacturers, Guite added.
He further said Indian Oil Imphal depot made ethanol blended petrol available to retail outlets of Manipur from February onwards.
The exhibition included panels, highlighting the technological advancement made in the areas of Bio-Energy along with new projects being undertaken under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOP and NG) in the field of Biofuels.
Panels of 1G Ethanol plant were displayed in the Biofuels Exhibition. IOCL Officers explained the process of ethanol production through the 1G Ethanol Plant to the public in the exhibition.
The event was jointly inaugurated by director, consumer affairs food and public distribution (CAF and PD), Robertson Asem and chief depot manager, Imphal Depot, Stephen C Guite.
