New Delhi, June 5 : Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) on Monday said it has initiated a pilot project with auto maker Ashok Leyland to test the effectiveness of ED7 (diesel blended with 7% ethanol) fuel.
The programme is aimed at transforming India’s bio-fuel economy and achieve a stable energy mix.
The ED7 fuel blend, developed by BPCL-R&D, consists of 93% diesel and 7% ethanol. BPCL said that the blend has undergone rigorous testing and validation on engine test bench in collaboration with Ashok Leyland.
“Today’s flag off of the Pilot ED7 (diesel blended with 7% ethanol) for buses with Ashok Leyland and flex fuels (E27 & E85) for two wheelers along with Hero MotoCorp is a step by BPCL towards our country’s aim of reducing import bill and providing sustainability,” said BPCL Chairman and Managing Director G. Krishnakumar.
The oil major said in a media release that Ashok Leyland conducted extensive laboratory trials on their engines using the ED7 fuel noting that ethanol blended diesel showcases a remarkable reduction in pollution levels, including Particulate Matter and Nitrogen oxides (NOx).
“The blend can be seamlessly adopted by diesel vehicles without requiring any significant modifications in engine,” it said.
After the pilot program, BPCL would submit a comprehensive report to Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas for developing a roadmap for commercial implementation of the fuel.
“With ethanol readily available in India, the study targets to establish ethanol blend in diesel to the tune of 7%, with an aim to reduce energy bill for the country,” BPCL said. (Agencies)
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