GIST OF YOJANA : Biofuels as Promising Substitute for High Carbon Energy Source

FEBRUARY-2025

Biofuels as Promising Substitute for High Carbon Energy Source

Introduction

• The necessity for energy is growing, yet fossil fuels are becoming increasingly unsustainable.

• Biofuels, sourced from renewable biomass, provide a tactical benefit for sustainable progress and energy independence.

• The National Policy on Biofuels (NPB) 2018 intends to enhance biofuel production and create a sustainable ecosystem.

• Jatropha curcas is recognized as a crucial non-edible feedstock for biodiesel manufacturing.

The Demand for Alternative Energy Sources

• Access to inexpensive and clean energy is critical for health, development, and overall well-being.

• Traditional energy sources are harming the environment.

• Alternative energy sources are essential to combat climate change, biodiversity decline, and pollution.

• Biofuels have surfaced as an optimal option to address India’s energy needs sustainably.

Biofuels in India

• India launched its biofuel initiative in 2003, concentrating on molasses for bioethanol and non-edible oil for biodiesel.

• Issues in biofuel production encompass erratic output, elevated costs, land availability, and selection of feedstock.

• A unified and dedicated policy with a long-term perspective can uphold India’s biofuel initiatives, ensuring energy security, economic advancement, and improved living standards.

Household Energy and Biofuels

• Household energy is crucial for maintaining good health, yet unaffordable and insufficient energy access can lead to negative effects.

• Biofuels can serve as a practical solution for household energy requirements, providing social and ecological advantages.

Biofuels: A Renewable Energy Source

• Biofuels are sustainable fuels generated from biomass, primarily utilized for transport, heating, and power generation.

• Ethanol and biodiesel are the most prevalent biofuels, offering ecological benefits and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

• Biofuels encourage sustainable growth, lessen reliance on fossil fuels, and strengthen national energy independence.

Jatropha Curcas: A Potential Feedstock

• Jatropha curcas is a non-edible oilseed recognized as a suitable feedstock for biodiesel creation in India.

• Jatropha can thrive in various environments, including arid areas and degraded regions.

• It is resilient to pests and diseases, attracts pollinators, captures carbon, and yields valuable byproducts.

National Policy on Biofuels (NPB)

• The NPB 2018 aspires to amplify biofuel production and establish a sustainable biofuel ecosystem in India.

• The government aims to satisfy 20% of the nation’s diesel demand with biofuels, necessitating considerable land resources and investment.

• The NPB 2022 modification accelerated the timeline for achieving 20% bioethanol integration in petrol to 2025-26 and broadened the spectrum of eligible feedstocks.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Hurdles for biofuel development include the necessity for research and innovation, technology transfer, mainstreaming biofuel integration, and advocating sustainable production practices.

• Biofuels present opportunities for minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing air quality, and fostering rural development.

Conclusion

• Biofuels represent a promising substitute for fossil fuels, presenting a route towards sustainable energy production and consumption.

• By tackling the challenges and seizing the opportunities, India can utilize biofuels to attain energy independence, environmental sustainability, and economic progress.

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Courtesy: Yojana