FOREWORD

With increasing oil import bills and diminishing stock of fossil petroleum fuels, search for renewable and domestic alternative propellants is now the prime challenge being faced by scientists and decision makers in India. Moreover, introduction of increasingly stringent vehicle emission legislation and severe air quality targets seem to question our reliance on the age-old conventional fuels. The future of mineral oils like gasoline and diesel and the prospect of clean alternative fuels, both depends on the limit of emissions allowed, legislative requirements, technical acceptability and the cost of the concept developed.

Our endeavur in exploring different alternative fuels like natural gas, alcohols, etc. is not new. During the 90s and mid-90s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) commissioned a study through the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) to assess the feasibility of various alternative fuels for running automobiles. Several other organizations like Indian oil Corporation (R&D), Society for Indain Autiomobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Ashok Leyland, Tata Engineering, Scooters India ltd., Bajaj Auto ltd., Mahindra & Mahindra and other manufactrers have been carrying out field trials with alternate fuelled vehicles.

This issue of PARIVESH outlines pros and cons of various available alternate fuels including the initiatives taken in India for commercialization of the fuels. I am thankful to my colleagues Dr. B. Sengupta, Member Secretary, Dr. S.A. Dutta, Sr. Project Scientist and Shri R. Debroy, AEE for compiling this report.

We hope this will serve as a ready reference to the concerned authorities and general public.