Observed on the 10th of August every year, World Biofuel Day is a significant event in the news. Initiated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 2015, it is an annual reminder of the essential role of biofuels in our world. The theme for 2020 was “Biofuels towards Atmanirbhar Bharat,” reflecting India’s drive for self-reliance.
This global event serves to create awareness about non-fossil fuels as alternatives to conventional fossil fuels. It also highlights the various efforts made by the Indian Government in the biofuel sector, which coincide with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
What Does “Biofuel” Mean?
Biofuel refers to any hydrocarbon fuel produced from organic matter in a short period of time (days, weeks, or months). It should be noted that this organic matter can either be living or once living material.
Government Initiatives To Promote Biofuels
The government has introduced several initiatives to promote the use and development of biofuels. These involve blending biofuels, simplifying procurement procedures by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), amending the provisions of the Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951, and allowing the conversion of surplus rice to ethanol.
Furthermore, researchers at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology are developing a method to use cyanobacterium, a type of bacteria harnessing sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into biomass, for biofuel production.
The Role of the Department of Biotechnology and Ministry of Science and Technology
Under the provision of these departments, the development of 2nd Generation (2G) Ethanol technology has been transferred to OMCs. Additionally, the production of biofuels has been supported through the development of Indigenous Cellulolytic Enzyme. The international collaboration to expedite innovation in sustainable biofuel has been strengthened through programs like Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and the Biofuture Platform.
Government Schemes for Biofuel Adoption
Various schemes have been introduced, including the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, 2019, which aims to boost commercial projects and research and development in the 2G Ethanol sector. In addition, the GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) DHAN scheme, 2018 focuses on managing cattle dung and solid waste, converting it into compost, biogas, and bio-CNG.
Another initiative, the Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO), launched by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), seeks to create an ecosystem for collecting and converting used cooking oil into biodiesel.
National Policy on Biofuels, 2018
This policy categorizes biofuels as “Basic Biofuels”, encompassing First Generation (1G) bioethanol & biodiesel, and “Advanced Biofuels”, including Second Generation (2G) ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-in fuels, Third Generation (3G) biofuels, bio-CNG, etc. This policy expands the raw material base for ethanol production and provides financial and fiscal incentives for each category.
Additionally, the policy allows the use of surplus food grains for the production of ethanol for blending with petrol under the approval of the National Biofuel Coordination Committee. It proposes a viability gap funding scheme for 2G ethanol Bio refineries of Rs. 5000 crore in 6 years, in addition to tax incentives and higher purchase prices compared to 1G biofuels.
The Way Forward
Promotion of biofuels in transportation can significantly reduce a country’s crude oil import bill. For countries like India, with large agricultural economies, the scope for producing biofuels is immense. Biofuels have the potential to foster rural and agricultural development in the form of new cash crops.
Sustainable biofuel production should ensure the use of wastelands and municipal wastes. A well-designed and implemented biofuel solution can provide both food and energy, creating a positive impact on local economies – from farmers growing the feedstock to businesses producing and distributing the fuel.
This continuous development and promotion of biofuels will pave the way towards a sustainable and self-reliant world.