World Biofuel Day is observed on 10th of August every year to create awareness about the importance of non-fossil fuels as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Biofuels are environment-friendly fuels and their utilization would address global concerns about containment of carbon emissions. Biofuels have the benefits of reduction of import dependence, a cleaner environment, additional income to farmers, and employment generation.
This occasion pays homage to the scientific trials conducted by Sir Rudolf Diesel, who, back in 1893, operated an engine using peanut oil. His experiment forecasted that in the coming century, vegetable oils would supplant fossil fuels in powering various mechanical engines. Since 2015, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has overseen the observance of World Biofuel Day.
Biofuels represent eco-friendly fuel options that offer a solution to the global challenge of containing carbon emissions. These fuels are extracted from renewable biomass sources, granting a strategic advantage by promoting sustainable development and supplementing traditional energy sources. This proves particularly vital in fulfilling the escalating demand for transportation fuels due to rapid economic growth, as well as catering to the energy needs of India’s extensive rural populace.
The advantages of biofuels extend to diminishing reliance on imported crude oil, fostering a cleaner environment, providing additional income opportunities for farmers, and generating employment in rural regions. The biofuels initiative harmonizes with the Indian government’s endeavors such as Make in India, Swachh Bharat, and increases farmers’ income.
The Indian government has adopted several strategies to enhance the use of biofuels. These initiatives consist of of mechanisms such as an administrative price setup for ethanol, streamlining the procurement procedures of oil marketing companies (OMCs), revising aspects of the Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951, and enabling the utilization of the lignocellulosic route for ethanol sourcing.
In June 2018, the Government came up with the National Policy on Biofuels-2018. This policy’s primary aim is to achieve a 20% blend of ethanol and a 5% blend of biodiesel by the year 2030. The policy expands the spectrum of materials for ethanol production and offers incentives for the creation of advanced biofuels, among other provisions.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that Biofuels including ethanol blended fuel are powering India’s journey towards energy self-sufficiency by 2047. He said, India achieved ten percent ethanol blending target five months in advance in June last year. Puri said, India’s ethanol demand is poised to grow to 10.16 billion litres by 2025.
India achieved 10% ethanol blending target 5 months in advance in June 2022 while availability of E20 blended petrol was also advanced to 2025, 5 years from earlier planned 2030. Infact 20% ethanol blended fuel is already available across 1650 bunks. pic.twitter.com/1s1wqPm9Xb
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) August 10, 2023