India Explores Isobutanol-Diesel Blending
On 11th September 2025, Union Transport Minister announced that the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is exploring the possibility of blending isobutanol, an alcoholic biofuel, with diesel. This initiative comes after ethanol-diesel blending trials did not meet performance expectations.
Why consider isobutanol for diesel?
|
Aspect |
Ethanol |
Isobutanol |
|
Blend Compatibility |
Lower miscibility with diesel |
Better miscibility; requires no complementary additives |
|
Flash Point |
Lower; higher volatility, riskier |
Higher; safer for handling and storage |
|
Availability |
Surplus in India |
Produced from ethanol feedstock if needed |
|
Contribution to Biofuel Goals |
Supports net-zero 2070 targets |
Offers new avenue for surplus sugarcane utilization |
Production and Economics
- Feedstock: Sugarcane syrup, molasses, grains.
- Process: Fermentation using engineered microbes designed to produce isobutanol instead ....
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