Methanol economy may create wonders
Letter to the Editor
Dear Sir,
Methanol is a low-carbon, hydrogen-carrying fuel made from high-ash coal agricultural residue, CO2 from thermal power plants, and natural gas. It is the best way for India to meet its commitment to COP 21.The ‘Methanol Economy’ programme of the NITI Aayog on implementation leads, to reduce India’s oil import bill, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the conversion of coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol.
Despite having a slightly lower energy content than gasoline, methanol can be used in transportation (road, rail, and marine), energy (DG sets, boilers, process heating modules, tractors, and commercial vehicles), and retail cooking (replacing LPG kerosene and wood charcoal) Blending 15% methanol into gasoline can result in a 15% reduction in crude oil imports.
Furthermore, this would reduce GHG emissions by 20% in terms of particulate matter, NOx, and SOx, improving urban air quality. Methanol Economy will also generate nearly 5 million jobs via methanol production/application and distribution services. Additionally, blending 20% DME (Di-methyl Ether, a methanol derivative) in LPG can save Rs 6000 crore per year. This will save the consumer between ₹50 and ₹100 per cylinder as per NITI Aayog speculation.
VijayKumar H K (Environmentalist), Raichur, Karnataka
