• Demo-run of Vessel named SB Gangadhar in Guwahati, Assam was held in run-up to India Energy Week 2023 (IEW 2023).
• The boat ride was conducted on the 50-seater motor launch vessel ‘SB Gangadhar’, equipped with two Ruston diesel engines, and will run on MD-15 (15 per cent methanol blended High Speed Diesel).
• IEW 2023, first major event under India’s G20 Presidency, follows PM’s pledge at COP26 to cut India’s emissions to net-zero by 2070.
• IEW 2023 is held under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.

About Methanol

• Methanol (CH3OH), also known as wood alcohol, is a low carbon hydrogen carrier fuel produced from high ash coal, agricultural residue, CO2 from thermal power plants and natural gas.
• It has properties similar to ethanol.
• It is used in various products, including plastics, paints, cosmetics etc.

• Significance of Methanol economy for India
  • Blending of 15% methanol in gasoline can result in at least 15% reduction in import of gasoline/crude oil.
  • Would bring down GHG emissions by 20% in terms of particulate matter, NOx, and SOx.
  • Although slightly lower in energy content than petrol and diesel, methanol can replace these fuels in transport sector, energy sector and retail cooking.
  • Cost to convert vessels to run on methanol is significantly less than other alternative fuel conversions.
  • Would create close to 5 million jobs.