True Green Bio Energy Limited, formerly known as CIL Nova Petrochemicals Limited, has announced the successful commencement of commercial operations at its new 300 KLPD (kiloliters per day) grain-based ethanol plant in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The company disclosed the development to BSE Limited on Tuesday, stating that the facility has begun dispatching substantial volumes of ethanol to its client base. The customer portfolio includes prominent names in India's petroleum sector: Reliance Industries Limited, Nayara Energy Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited.
The announcement comes as India advances its Ethanol Blended Petrol Program, targeting 20 percent ethanol blending by 2025. True Green's grain-based facility adds to the domestic production capacity required to meet this national objective.
Ethanol blending involves mixing anhydrous ethanol with petrol at specific ratios before distribution to retail fuel stations. E20 fuel contains 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent gasoline by volume.
The process begins at ethanol production facilities like True Green's plant, where grains or sugarcane molasses are fermented and distilled to produce fuel-grade ethanol with 99.5 percent purity. This anhydrous ethanol is essential because water content can cause phase separation in fuel tanks.
Oil marketing companies receive ethanol from producers through designated supply chains. At fuel blending terminals, precise metering equipment combines ethanol with petrol according to specified ratios. The blended fuel undergoes quality testing to verify ethanol concentration, octane rating, and other parameters before storage in dedicated tanks.
E20 fuel provides an octane boost, allowing engines to achieve better combustion efficiency. The oxygen content in ethanol enables more complete fuel burning. However, ethanol contains approximately 33 percent less energy by volume compared to petrol, which can affect fuel economy.
Distribution networks transport E20 to retail outlets equipped with compatible dispensing infrastructure. Fuel pumps must have ethanol-resistant seals and components to prevent degradation. The entire supply chain requires coordination between ethanol producers, oil companies, and retailers to maintain blend quality and consistency throughout delivery to consumers.