National Policy on Biofuels

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and will continue to enjoy the demographic dividend for few decades. Energy is a critical input towards raising the standard of living of citizens. The energy strategy of country aims to chart the way forward to meet the Government’s recent ambitious announcements in the energy domain such as electrification of all census villages by 2019, 24x7 electricity & 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, reduction in energy emissions intensity by 33%-35% by 2030 and share of non-fossil fuel based capacity in the electricity mix is aimed at above 40% by 2030.

Conventional or fossil fuel resources are limited, non-renewable, polluting and, therefore, need to be used prudently. On the other hand, renewable energy resources are indigenous, non-polluting and virtually inexhaustible. India is endowed with abundant renewable energy resources. Therefore, their use should be encouraged in every possible way. The National Policy on Biofuels - 2018 builds on the achievements of the earlier National Policy on Biofuels and sets the new agenda consistent with the redefined role of emerging developments in the Renewable Sector.

Government has prepared a road map to reduce the import dependency in Oil & Gas sector by adopting a five pronged strategy which includes, Increasing Domestic Production, Adopting biofuels & Renewables, Energy Efficiency Norms, Improvement in Refinery Processes and Demand Substitution. This envisages a strategic role for biofuels in the Indian Energy basket. Biofuels are derived from renewable biomass resources.

This envisages a strategic role for biofuels in the Indian Energy basket. Biofuels are derived from renewable biomass resources.

The Policy aims to increase usage of biofuels in the energy and transportation sectors of the country during the coming decade. The Policy aims to utilize, develop and promote domestic feedstock and its utilization for production of biofuels thereby increasingly substitute fossil fuels while contributing to National Energy Security, Climate Change mitigation, apart from creating new employment opportunities in a sustainable way.

Simultaneously, the policy will also encourage the application of advance technologies for generation of biofuels. The field of Biofuels has been growing rapidly over last few years and new technology innovations are taking place.