Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Mines and Energy, Alemayehu Tegenu said utilizing ethanol-blended petroleum would have a significant contribution to the country's economic development.

The mixing of ethanol and petroleum, which was launched with the coordination of the ministry, would be distributed to filling station in Addis and its environs and latter it would be expanded in various parts of the nation.

He said besides saving foreign currency the sale of ethanol-blended petroleum, which constitutes 5 per cent of ethanol, would help meet the energy demand.

As it is a renewable energy source ethanol has no negative effect on vehicles and the environment as well, the minister said.

He said the government has allocated huge investment for the development of sugar in three sugar producing factories for the same cause.

One of the aims of bio-fuel development is utilizing ethanol by mixing with petroleum, he added.

Energy Control Department head with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Meles Teka said the government has been executing wide-ranging activities aiming at developing renewable energy source.

Sudanese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mohleldin Salim Muhedin expressed his country’s readiness to share its experience in the sector to Ethiopia.

Senior government officials, representatives of various governmental and non-governmental organizations attended the launching event.

T-5:40-6:13 PM

E- 6:15-6:20PM

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