WORLD BIOFUEL DAY
Biofuel refers to fuel that is derived from plant biomass or animal waste. It is typically produced from materials like corn, sugarcane, and animal waste such as cow dung. Unlike fossil fuels, these sources are renewable, making biofuel a renewable energy source. The two most prevalent types of biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel.
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Ethanol: This biofuel is produced through the fermentation of crop residues like corn and sugarcane. After fermentation, ethanol is mixed with petroleum, which helps to reduce emissions by diluting the petroleum. The most common blend is Ethanol-10 or E10, where ethanol makes up 10 percent of the mixture.
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Biodiesel: This biofuel is created from used cooking oil, yellow grease, or animal fats. The production process involves burning the oil or fat with alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, resulting in biodiesel
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Environmental Benefits: Biofuels offer significant environmental advantages. They help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the environmental impact of fossil fuel use, while also providing a method for better waste management.
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Energy Security: As the world’s third-largest consumer of crude oil, India relies on imports for over 85 percent of its needs. With rising energy demands, biofuels can contribute to energy security by reducing dependence on foreign oil.
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Economic Benefits: Greater use of biofuels can help lower India's reliance on imported oil, positively affecting the country's import bill. Additionally, producing biofuels from crops like corn and sugarcane can boost farm income and help manage the challenges of overproduction and storage of food grains and sugar
The Government of India has launched several initiatives to increase biofuel blending, with goals to reduce import dependency, enhance farmers' income, address environmental issues, and promote effective waste management.
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National Policy on Biofuel: In 2018, the Indian government approved the "National Policy on Biofuel" to reduce import reliance by encouraging fuel blending. The policy emphasizes bioethanol, biodiesel, and bio-CNG, with key components including the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), production of second-generation ethanol from forest and agricultural residues, expanding production capacity for fuel additives under the "Make in India" initiative, research and development in feedstock (the raw material for ethanol production), and financial incentives to support these goals. In May 2022, the policy was amended to advance the target for 20% ethanol blending from 2030 to 2025-26 due to advancements in biofuel technologies.
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Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA): The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) is a multi-stakeholder initiative comprising governments, international organizations, and industries. It was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside leaders from the USA, Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Singapore, Bangladesh, Mauritius, and the UAE during the G20 Summit in New Delhi. The alliance seeks to foster international collaboration and promote sustainable biofuel use, facilitate global biofuel trade, and provide technical support for national biofuel programs. So far, 24 countries and 12 international organizations have agreed to join the alliance.
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Reduced GST on Ethanol: To encourage ethanol blending, the government reduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate on ethanol intended for blending under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme from 18% to 5%.
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Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana: The government introduced the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana to support the production of Second Generation (2G) ethanol from cellulosic and lignocellulosic sources, including petrochemical routes, by providing financial assistance
- India has successfully overcome initial challenges in its ethanol-petrol blending program, achieving significant progress in recent years.
- This success has prompted the government to accelerate the nationwide introduction of E20 petrol—a blend of 20% anhydrous ethanol with 80% motor gasoline—by advancing the target date from 2030 to 2025-26. The government has confirmed that the country is on track to meet this revised deadline.
- Moreover, India is also considering blending diesel with suitable biofuels and natural gas with biogas. The focus on ethanol has positively impacted both the environment and farmers' livelihoods.
- Ethanol purchases increased dramatically from 38 crore liters in 2013-14 to 408 crore liters in the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2021-22.
- During ESY 2021-22, approximately ₹25,750 crore worth of ethanol was purchased, benefiting farmers significantly, particularly those growing sugarcane, as highlighted in the Ethanol Booklet 2023 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
There are several issues and challenges related to biofuels:
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Environmental Concerns: The production and use of biofuels can have environmental impacts, including increased demand for land and water resources, as well as potential air and groundwater pollution. Additionally, the rising demand for biofuels may alter cropping patterns and affect the diversity of crops grown.
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Food vs. Fuel Dilemma: There is a concern about balancing food security with energy security, particularly when considering the choice of feedstock and the production process for biofuels. This trade-off between using resources for fuel instead of food needs careful consideration.
To achieve sustainable energy goals while safeguarding the country's food and economic security, a well-balanced strategy is essential
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For Prelims: Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), G-20 summit, E10 (10% ethanol) or E85 (85% ethanol), Electric vehicle (EV), and International Energy Agency (IEA). For Mains: 1. Discuss the role of biofuels in the global transition to sustainable energy sources, considering their environmental impact, economic implications, and potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (250 words). |
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Previous year Question 1. According to India's National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? (UPSC 2020) 1. Cassava 2. Damaged wheat grains 3. Groundnut seeds 4. Horse gram 5. Rotten potatoes 6. Sugar beet Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1, 2, 5 and 6 only B. 1, 3, 4 and 6 only C. 2, 3, 4 and 5 only D. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Answer: A 2. It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitation(s) of developing countries in promoting this industry? (UPSC 2017) 1. Production of algae-based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents. 2. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuels production requires a high level of expertise/technology until the construction is completed. 3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large-scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B 3. With reference to the Neem tree, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2014) 1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites. 2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents. 3. Neem oil has applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: C |
Source: Indianexpress
