India Launches Pilot Project on Isobutanol-Diesel Blending to Boost Biofuel Transition
India has embarked on a new chapter in its biofuel journey with the introduction of isobutanol-diesel blending, marking a significant step toward reducing fossil fuel dependence and achieving the nation’s net-zero emissions target by 2070. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has rolled out an 18-month pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of this innovative blend across multiple vehicle categories.
Why Isobutanol?
While ethanol blending has been the backbone of India’s biofuel strategy, its use in diesel has faced challenges due to volatility, poor miscibility, and engine performance issues. Ethanol’s low flash point and compatibility concerns limited its success in diesel applications.
Isobutanol, on the other hand, offers a higher flash point, safer handling, and better miscibility with diesel, eliminating the need for heavy chemical additives. It can be produced using existing ethanol plants with minor modifications, leveraging feedstock such as sugarcane, molasses, and grains.
Production and Economic Potential
According to the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), a 150 KLPD ethanol refinery could also generate 20 KLPD of isobutanol, creating fresh opportunities for sugar mills to diversify income streams and stabilise farmer earnings. However, experts caution that isobutanol has a lower cetane number, which may require additives to improve ignition quality. Additionally, its production costs are slightly higher than ethanol, making supportive pricing policies crucial for widespread adoption.
Benefits for India
If scaled successfully, isobutanol-diesel blending could deliver multiple benefits:
- Lower emissions of particulate matter and CO₂, aiding India’s clean air goals.
- Energy security through reduced crude oil imports.
- Boost to the rural economy, with sugar mills and farmers gaining alternative revenue.
- Global leadership as India would be the first country to commercialise isobutanol-diesel blending.
Pilot Project and Next Steps
The ARAI-led project will test various blending ratios in diesel engines to identify safe and efficient thresholds, with experts recommending blends of up to 10% isobutanol. If validated, the fuel could become part of India’s biofuel policy framework, diversifying its portfolio beyond ethanol and biodiesel.
Industry observers see this as a bold experiment that could reshape India’s biofuel landscape. As ARAI progresses with its trials, the world will closely watch whether isobutanol emerges as a viable solution for sustainable diesel alternatives.