HPCL launches pilot study on E27 and ethanol blends

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) announced the successful launch of a groundbreaking pilot study on vehicles using E27 fuel and Ethanol Blended Diesel Fuel. With this milestone achievement, HPCL becomes the first Oil Marketing Company in India to initiate such a comprehensive research program, in line with the “Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025,” which aims to promote the adoption of Ethanol Blending in gasoline.

The roadmap, designed to usher in a greener and more sustainable future, outlines a phased rollout plan for achieving 20% Ethanol Blended Gasoline (E20) by April 2023 and ensuring its widespread availability by April 2025. It further emphasizes the introduction of E20 material-compliant and E10 engine-tuned vehicles starting from April 2023, followed by the production of E20-tuned engine vehicles from April 2025.

At HPCL’s state-of-the-art Green R&D Centre in Devanagunthi, Bengaluru, dedicated efforts are underway to conduct comprehensive research on biofuels. The center’s proficient team is evaluating the effects and performance of different blends of ethanol-gasoline, ranging from 10% to 27%, as well as various blends of ethanol-diesel, on different categories of test vehicles at the Engine Research laboratory.

Preliminary studies conducted on vehicles fueled with E27 have shown remarkable reductions in emissions like CO and THC when compared to traditional gasoline. Additionally, significant potential for reducing net CO2 emissions has been observed. By utilizing higher ethanol blends in two-wheelers and passenger cars, we can substantially contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote a low-carbon economy. As part of the pilot launch, HPCL will also evaluate ethanol-diesel trials on passenger cars, aiming for a targeted mileage accumulation of 20,000 km initially.