In a significant stride towards a more sustainable energy future, India’s national standards body, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has recently unveiled nine standards for biofuels. These standards are poised to play a crucial role in India’s ambitious goal of blending 20% ethanol biofuels with fossil fuels used in transportation, reducing emissions and curbing the need for costly crude oil imports.
A Sustainable Vision:
The release of these biofuel standards aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent announcement of the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) during the G20 meeting in Delhi. The GBA seeks to foster international collaboration in pursuit of clean energy goals, and India’s new biofuel standards fall in line with this global initiative.
Empowering Stakeholders:
The BIS’s latest standards are designed to assist various stakeholders, including manufacturers, traders, and other entities involved in the biofuel sector. These standards cover a range of applications, from blending components in motor gasoline and automotive fuels to aviation turbine fuel and Positive Ignition Engine Powered Vehicles.
Green Diesel in Progress:
In addition to these biofuel standards, the BIS is actively working on establishing a standard for green diesel. Green diesel is a promising alternative derived from second-generation (2G) feedstock, such as agro-residues like rice and wheat straw, cane trash, corn cobs and stover, cotton stalk, bagasse, and empty fruit bunches.
Addressing the Fuel Landscape:
Currently, a staggering 98% of India’s fuel requirements for the transportation sector are met by fossil fuels, leaving only 2% for biofuels. The introduction of these standards not only supports India’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and generating 50% of its energy from renewable sources but also aligns with broader objectives such as “Make in India,” turning waste into wealth, and increasing farmers’ income.
Global Biofuel Dominance:
The USA, Brazil, and India collectively dominate the global biofuels market, contributing to an impressive 85% of production and 81% of ethanol consumption worldwide.
Economic Opportunities:
The global ethanol market, valued at USD 99 billion in 2022, is set to witness substantial growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 5% by 2032. India’s import of petroleum, which cost the country approximately USD 55 billion in 2020-2021, has been a significant economic burden, particularly in the face of the Russia-Ukraine conflict’s impact on global oil prices. By blending up to 20% ethanol with gasoline, India stands to save around 4 billion dollars.
In conclusion, India’s commitment to biofuels through the BIS’s standards not only paves the way for a greener, more sustainable future but also holds the potential to enhance energy security, reduce emissions, and bolster the nation’s economy. These standards mark a crucial step towards India’s transition to a more eco-friendly and economically viable energy landscape.