India's Sustainable Biofuel Endeavor: A Step Towards a Greener Tomorrow

Introduction:

In a world dealing with emerging?environmental problems and a growing desire for cleaner energy, India gives hope. [1] At the epicenter of this transformation lies a remarkable biofuel revolution—a voyage marked by an unwavering dedication to a more eco-friendly and sustainable future. This article discusses the?elements that form India's biofuel landscape, the global significance of the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), and the potential for biofuels to reshape India's energy stability and boost economic prosperity.?

India's Biofuel Progress: A Remarkable Odyssey: India's venture into sustainable energy is marked by notable milestones that underscore its dedication to biofuels:?

1. Surpassing Ethanol Blending Milestones: In a significant achievement, India exceeded its 10% ethanol blending target in June 2022, five months ahead of schedule. This accomplishment accelerates carbon emission reduction and underscores India's unwavering commitment to sustainable energy.?

2. Advancing Ethanol Blending Goals: India is resolute in making E20 blended petrol available by 2025, a remarkable five years ahead of the original 2030 target. Currently, 20% ethanol-blended fuel is accessible at an impressive 1650 fuel stations across the country. [2]?

3. Surging Thirst for Ethanol: India is on the brink of a considerable surge [3] in ethanol demand, expected to soar to 10.16 billion liters by 2025. This points to a substantial market ripe for sustainable biofuels. [4]?

Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA): India's unwavering commitment to biofuels knows no boundaries, as evidenced by its active participation in the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), a global coalition that includes countries like the United States and Brazil. The GBA possesses the capacity to revolutionize the worldwide energy panorama. In this article, we discuss deeper into this global alliance:?

• Uniting Nations: GBA's Global Influence: The GBA stands as an impressive amalgamation of 19 nations and 12 international organizations, positioning itself as a significant force in the quest for cleaner fuel solutions.?
• Shared Objective: Tripling Biofuels Production by 2030: According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) predictions, the world needs to triple its production of sustainable biofuels by 2030 to align with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. [5] The GBA emerges as a pivotal player in steering this substantial expansion. [6]?

GBA's Vision in Action: The Global Biofuels Alliance translates its vision into concrete objectives:?

• Sustainable Fuels: GBA's Commitment [7] to Sustainable Biofuels: The GBA is unwavering in its support for the development and global deployment of sustainable biofuels. This includes a robust framework for capacity building, technical support, and the dissemination of policy insights. [8]?
• Fostering Innovation: The GBA spearheads the establishment of a virtual marketplace that connects technology providers with end-users, streamlining the transition to biofuel adoption.?
• Instituting Rigorous Standards: The GBA is resolutely committed to formulating and implementing globally recognized biofuel standards, sustainability principles, and regulatory frameworks.?

India's Role in GBA: Benefits and Beyond: India's leadership within the GBA confers numerous advantages:?

• Elevating Global Standing: India's active involvement in the GBA enhances its global reputation, fostering meaningful collaborations with nations worldwide, particularly as India aspires to become a leading advocate for global climate action.?

• Exporting Expertise: Indian industries are primed to export cutting-edge biofuel technology and equipment, contributing to robust economic growth.?
• Expanding Access to Bioenergy: The initiatives of the GBA significantly expand the availability of bioenergy in developing countries, opening up new opportunities for business ventures.?
• Paving the Path to a Low-Carbon Future: India's active participation in the GBA seamlessly aligns with its ongoing endeavors to curb carbon emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports.?

Initiatives Driving Biofuels in India: India has initiated several pioneering endeavors in the biofuel sector:?

• Advancements in 2G Ethanol Technology: The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, has successfully developed and transferred 2G Ethanol technology to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). [9]?

• Indigenous Cellulolytic Enzymes: India is vigorously advancing indigenous cellulolytic enzymes for biofuels production. [10]?
• Demonstration of Microalgae-Based Sewage Treatment Technology: India is leading the way in demonstrating microalgae-based sewage treatment technology for biofuel production.?
• Enhanced International Collaboration: India has intensified international collaboration to expedite innovation in Sustainable Biofuels through programs such as Mission Innovation and the Biofuture Platform.?
• Robust Support for Young Researchers: India provides substantial support for emerging researchers in the field of Bioenergy through fellowships and awards. [11]?
• Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana: The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, launched in 2019, aims to create an ecosystem for commercial projects and foster R&D in 2G Ethanol.?
• 2018 Biofuel Policy: The 2018 Biofuel Policy outlines ambitious objectives, including achieving 20% ethanol blending and 5% biodiesel blending by 2030, a goal now advanced to 2025-26. [12]?
• GOBAR-DHAN Scheme: The GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) DHAN scheme, initiated in 2018, focuses on the efficient management of cattle dung and farm waste to generate compost, biogas, and bio-CNG.[13]?Sustainable Biofuels: A Global Imperative:In summary, as the worldwide demand for biofuels surges, it becomes imperative to acknowledge that India, in synergy with Brazil and Indonesia, plays a substantial role in driving a considerable portion of this demand surge in 2023-24. India's proactive role in establishing the Global Biofuels Alliance alongside prominent biofuel-producing nations and consumers such as Brazil and the United States, supported by active participation from other nations, signifies a momentous stride towards securing energy stability and crafting a constructive global impact.?The rise of biofuels stands as a testament to India's unwavering dedication to fostering sustainable energy, protecting the environment, and strengthening its economic prospects. Biofuels offer India a promising path toward a cleaner and greener future, setting the stage for an inspiring journey.?

References:

[1] "COP26: India PM Narendra Modi pledges net zero by 2070", BBC News, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-59125143 .?

[2] NITI Aayog and MoPNG,?Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-2025: Report of the Expert Committee.?2021.?

[3] Sanjeeb Mukherjee, “India achieves highest-ever ethanol blend of 8.1% with petrol in 2020-21,”?Business Standard,?December 08, 2021.?

[4] Chandel, Anuj Kumar, et al. "Economics and environmental impact of bioethanol production technologies: an appraisal." Biotechnology and molecular biology review 2.1 (2007): 14-32

[5] Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century,?Renewables 2021: Global Status Report,?2021.

[6] "Biofuels – Renewables 2021 – Analysis - IEA", IEA, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2021/biofuels?mode=transport&region=World&publication=2021&flow=Consumption&product=Ethanol .

[7] https://mopng.gov.in/en/page/11 ?

[8] Mandal, R., and P. Mithra. "Biofuels: Indian scenario and policy issues." Proceedings of the International conference on Biofuels: Perspectives and prospects. 2004.

[9] Gopinathan, Mambully & Sudhakaran, Rajasekaran. (2010). Biofuels: Opportunities and Challenges in India. 10.1007/978-1-4419-7145-6_10.

[10] Efroymson, Rebecca A., et al. "Environmental indicators of biofuel sustainability: what about context?." Environmental management 51.2 (2013): 291-306.?

[11] Devi, Challenges to Sustainable Development in Context to India, - Elementary Education Online,2021; Vol 20 (Issue 5): pp.1888-1892

[12] Environmental Protection Agency,?Final Renewable Fuel Standards for 2019, and the Biomass-Based Diesel Volume for 2020,?2020.

[13] Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), “Repurposed Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) Booklet.”