Biofuels, an alternative with its own concerns.

 

Biofuels are those fuels which are produced from biomass to meet the energy demand. It can be derived from plants, algae or animal wastes there by it not only considered for its superior environmental benefits but also is economically competitive with fossil fuels. India, as a country with great import dependence for fuel requirements, is looking forward to get expertise in this area to meet its energy needs along with an insight of pollution control.

Biodiesel and compressed biogas is also used in india for energy necessity in smaller scales. Biodiesel production was earlier from imported palm stearin oil, but the govt tries to substitute the raw material with domestic oil. CBG is also getting acceptance in india, in tandem with SATAT ( Sustainable Alternative  for affordable transportation ) scheme launched by the govt from 2018. Apart from such initiative Ethanol Blending Program ( EBP) is the most crucial one.

Ethanol blending is nothing but a process in which Petrol is blended with ethanol for the production of fuel so that our important dependence on crude oil can be minimised along with reduced pollution level. India had initiated ethanol blending program and launched so many steps in this field. It includes measures to increase indigenous production of ethanol from 2014. The govt has amended industries(developments and regulation )act, 1951 for assuring Govt's exclusive control over denatured ethanol. Reduction kf GST from 18% to 5% and Interest subvention scheme for enhancement and augmentation of ethanol production capacity by the department of food and public distribution system under Govt of India are also plays great role in the chain of ethanol blending.

When we look at the ethanol blending in India, we can find that it had rised from 38 crores litre in 2013-2014 to 188.6 crores of litres in 2018-2019. The average blend in these tenure was only 5% and it has risen upto 7% in the year 2019-2020. In the next year it was again increased to 10% and the country has kept its ethanol blending target upto 20% for the year 2030. To increase the production of ethanol, Govt has allowed cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials through petrochemical route. PM jai Indan Vatavaran Anukool Yojana was also launched for providing viability gap funding (VGF) for the stakeholders to have initial economic cushion.

Although the biofuel usage is great in so many aspects, it has its own concerns. New ethanol blending policy, as it includes food based livestocks, including straw rice, wheat and corn,it may effect the food security of the country. The production of biofuels need land to cultivate biofuel crops in large scale, this will definitely effect the pricing mechanism of food crops as well as cost of such biofuel also. As you may know, Rice, wheat and sugarcane absorb 80 % of irrigated water in india, the production is having severe impact on water resources. Other than all these huddles, people crave for petrol or diesel to enjoy the thrill of driving because of the engines efficiency and power. CBG, and electric vehicles are not reaching the way its expected because of the same reason. Biofuel also produce comparatively less energy than petrol.

Considering all these aspects, we can say that the production of biofuels is challenging in india despite if its positive outcomes. Our food crops and water intense crops are better to be kept away for the production of biofuels. If we prioritise and modify our cropping patterns, we can surely be one among the best in biofuel production with sound economic balance and environmental friendliness.