Sansad TV: Biofuel Alliance | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Biofuels

• Biofuels come in various forms, including solid, liquid, and gaseous varieties.
  • Solid biofuels consist of materials like wood, dried plant matter, and manure.
  • Liquid biofuels include bioethanol and biodiesel.
  • Gaseous biofuels are exemplified by biogas.
• Brazil, India, and the United States, prominent biofuel producers and consumers, are collaborating to establish a Global Biofuels Alliance, joined by other interested nations. 
• The primary goal of this Alliance is to promote cooperation and enhance the use of sustainable biofuels, particularly in the transportation sector. 
• Key objectives include bolstering biofuels markets, facilitating global trade in biofuels, sharing policy insights, and providing technical support for national biofuel programs worldwide. 
• The Alliance will also emphasize the adoption of best practices and successful case studies. 
• It will work in conjunction with relevant regional and international organizations and initiatives in the fields of bioenergy, bioeconomy, and energy transition, such as the Clean Energy Ministerial Biofuture Platform, Mission Innovation Bioenergy initiatives, and the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP). 
• These biofuels can replace or complement traditional fossil fuels like diesel and petrol for a wide range of applications, including transportation, stationary, portable, and energy generation.

Biofuels: Significance & Reducing Petroleum Dependence

• Availability: Biofuels are derived from biomass, making them a renewable resource. In contrast, oil is finite and derived from specific sources, while biofuels can be manufactured from a diverse array of materials, including agricultural waste, manure, and other byproducts.
• Environmental Impact: Biofuels emit fewer carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels, although the use of fertilizers in their production can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, biofuels offer a solution for managing municipal solid waste by converting it into fuel.
• Energy Security: The production of biofuels can be localized, reducing a nation's reliance on foreign energy sources. This enhances energy resource integrity and shields against external influences.
• Economic Benefits: Local biofuel manufacturing plants have the potential to create numerous jobs, particularly in rural areas. The production of biofuels also stimulates the demand for suitable biofuel crops, contributing to economic growth in the agriculture industry. The growing interest in biofuels is driven by escalating oil prices, greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, and the desire to utilize agricultural crops for the benefit of farmers.

Recent Initiatives to Promote Biofuels in India

• Successful development and transfer of 2G Ethanol technology to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
  • Development of Indigenous Cellulolytic Enzymes for biofuel production.
  • Demonstration of microalgae-based sewage treatment technology.
  • Strengthened international collaboration to accelerate innovation in Sustainable Biofuel through multilateral programs like Mission Innovation and Biofuture Platform.
  • Training and encouragement of young researchers in the field of Bioenergy through Fellowships/Awards.
• Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, 2019: A scheme aimed at establishing a commercial ecosystem and promoting Research and Development in the 2G Ethanol sector.
• Ethanol Blending: The 2018 Biofuel Policy targets achieving a 20% ethanol-blending and 5% biodiesel-blending by 2030; this target is now expected to be reached by 2025-26. It promotes domestic biofuel production under the Make in India initiative.
• GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) DHAN scheme, 2018: Focused on managing cattle dung and farm solid waste to produce compost, biogas, and bio-CNG, contributing to cleanliness in villages and increasing rural household incomes under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
• Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO): Launched by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to establish an ecosystem for collecting and converting used cooking oil into biodiesel.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

• Promoting biofuel use in transportation, particularly in countries like India, will reduce dependence on crude oil imports.
• Biofuels have the potential to drive rural and agricultural development by introducing new cash crops.
• Sustainable biofuel production should incorporate the use of wastelands and municipal waste generated in urban areas.
• A well-designed and implemented biofuel solution can simultaneously provide food and energy.
• Exploring community-based biodiesel distribution programs, benefiting local economies from feedstock farmers to local producers and consumers, is a promising avenue for the future.