Progressing India's Biofuel Evolution: Pivotal Findings from the 12th CII Bioenergy Conference
The Indian government, under the leadership of Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, is spearheading a significant push towards sustainable biofuels. Automakers such as Suzuki, Tata, and Toyota are preparing to launch flex-engine cars, while two-wheeler manufacturers like TVS, Bajaj, and Honda are waiting for ethanol pumps to begin selling ethanol-fueled bikes.
This shift towards biofuels is part of a broader commitment to self-reliance in national fuel production and green growth. The 12th CII Bioenergy Summit emphasised India's dedication to these goals, with Shri Sanjiv Puri, CII President, highlighting the role of biofuels in driving sustainable and inclusive growth, particularly in agricultural value chains and rural entrepreneurship.
The government's optimisation initiatives in grain distribution, as stated by Shri Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food & Public Distribution, have saved Rs 250 crore annually. These savings are expected to increase as the country moves towards greater ethanol blending.
Shri Gadkari has emphasised the need to optimise biomass transportation and production costs, particularly in regions like Punjab and Haryana, where stubble burning contributes to severe air pollution. The government is making strides in green hydrogen production, attracting global electrolyser manufacturers to India's shores.
One of the most notable initiatives is the aim to reach 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025. The country currently has 1650 crore litres of ethanol capacity in place and is on track to meet this requirement by next year. With the deadline for 20% ethanol blending revised to October 2025, Shri Puri expressed confidence in achieving the goal well before time.
The Global Biofuels Alliance, a collaboration of multiple international organisations, has ambitious goals, including accelerating biofuel adoption worldwide to mitigate climate change and support energy transition. Mr. Tarun Sawhney, Co-chairman of the CII Committee on Bioenergy, urged discussions on future blending targets, such as E85 and E100.
The use of ethanol extends beyond fuel. Mr. Shishir Joshipura, Co-chairman of the CII Committee on Bioenergy, highlighted the potential of ethanol as the starting point for various sustainable products, including bio-polymers and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF could contribute up to 65% of the aviation industry's decarbonization efforts by 2050, according to Mr. Salil Gupte, Chairman of the CII Committee on Aerospace and President of Boeing India.
However, challenges remain. The ambassador of Brazil in India, Mr. Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega, highlighted the shared challenges between India and Brazil due to climate change, particularly affecting food security. Shri Gadkari envisioned biofuels as a means to raise the agricultural sector's contribution to GDP from the current 14-15% to over 20%, propelling India towards energy self-sufficiency while also benefiting the rural economy.
India's progress in ethanol blending is commendable. The percentage has increased from 1.53% in 2014 to 15% in 2024. The Indian Oil's Panipat plant, which uses stubble as biomass, offers a partial solution to the pollution problem, with further planning needed to scale up these efforts.
In conclusion, India is making significant strides in the adoption of biofuels and ethanol blending. With the support of various international organisations and forward-thinking policies, India is well on its way to achieving self-reliance in national fuel production, green growth, and a more sustainable future.
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