April 08, 2002
'20'
MOU SIGNED BETWEEN INDIA AND BRAZIL ON EXCHANGE OF TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW ON ETHANOL
The Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Brazil on technology-sharing and undertaking joint studies on blending of ethanol with petrol and diesel. The MOU was signed by Shri Ram Naik, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and the visiting delegation led by the Brazilian Minister for Development, Industry and Foreign Trade Mr. Sergio Silva do Amaral here today. Speaking on the occasion Shri Naik informed that the MOU seeks sharing of technology/consultancies on optimal blending ratios for best performance, engine and fuel system modification, compatibility of fuel system components, development of stabilizers for use in ethanol diesel blend and the required infrastructure and laboratory tests. The MOU also aims at setting up joint projects on bio-diesel and joint research on fuel cells.
Shri Naik further informed that the two countries propose to hold a Seminar on this subject in India where technicians from Brazil could make presentations to the Indian farmers, sugar-producing industries/cooperatives. He added that the visits of the farmers/sugarcane producers/cooperative sugar factories could be arranged for on-the-spot study of the ethanol production process adopted in Brazil. The Minister said that the forthcoming World Petroleum Congress Meet is to take place in Brazil in the first week of September, 2002 which would provide an ideal forum for further mutual exchange of ideas on a larger scale. Mr. Sergio Silva do Amaral, the visiting Brazilian Minister also spoke on the occasion narrating their experience in the field of ethanol and its advantages.
It may be recalled that in May, 2001 Shri Ram Naik led a delegation from India to visit Brazil and USA to obtain first-hand information on the gasohol projects in those countries, in particular, the manufacture of ethanol from sugarcane and its use as auto-fuel. It may be pertinent to point out here that there are as many as three million cars which are run exclusively on ethanol in Brazil. While the Government of Brazil had mandated the use of 20-24% of ethanol in petrol, the same is used to meet the requirement of oxygenates mandated under the Clean Air Act of 1990 in the United States.