By Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: The country imports 85% of its petroleum, or over 16 lakh crores, according to Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, who underlined the need for India to become an exporter instead of an importer. Speaking at the PHDCCI-hosted Summit on the Role of Bio Energy for Atmanirbhar Bharat in Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation at PHD House, he discussed the problem of excess goods like sugarcane and broken rice, emphasizing the need to use them in the production of ethanol to produce significant benefits and lessen the government’s need to buy these goods at MSPs.
He suggested encouraging farmers to sell agricultural leftovers to businesses for the manufacture of biofuels as a way to address the problem of stubble burning, highlighting the enormous potential of alternative fuels and the energy sector. In light of the economic inequality that exists in the rural, agricultural, and tribal areas—where 65% of the population lives but only contributes 12% of GDP growth—correcting this imbalance might help boost these populations and eventually promote economic growth as a whole.
The minister also pushed for policy diversification with an emphasis on sustainable aviation fuel in the energy and electricity sector. In an effort to create a 2 lakh crore economy in India, he voiced optimism about the substantial investment possibilities in bioaviation fuel in that country.
Gadkari suggested tapping the potential of the bamboo resources in Northeastern India for ethanol production, giving priority to the expansion in ethanol production. Additionally, he emphasized the need of flex engines for improved environmental friendliness, particularly in drones.
Gadkari also underlined the significance of investigating biofuels, electricity, and other alternative fuels because of their enormous potential. He emphasized the enormous power and development potential that these alternative energy industries had, particularly when contrasted to the demand factor.
While praising the government and the minister, Sanjeev Agrawal, President of the PHDCCI, noted that Gadkari is a supporter of remote connectivity in addition to renewable energy. More than 70,000 km of National Highways have been built under his leadership in the last seven years, and 3,00,000 km of additional roads are now being built. He is dedicated to building the country’s top-notch infrastructure in a timely, cost-effective, sustainable manner. To encourage the use of bioenergy across the nation, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of the Government of India has launched a number of policies and initiatives.
The Prime Minister took the initiative during the G20 by introducing the Biofuel Alliance, demonstrating his recognition of the importance of bioenergy. India’s G20 Presidency made the creation of the Global Biofuel Alliance a top priority, with the intention of fostering cooperation and intensifying the use of sustainable biofuels, especially in the transportation sector, Agrawal added.
According to Hemant Jain, Senior Vice President, PHDCCI, India is moving toward using more clean and green energy sources. The country is trying to adopt green hydrogen and biofuels, which are expected to gradually replace fossil fuels in the next years in order to cut emissions. He continued, saying that in order to minimize emissions, India is moving toward using more clean, green energy sources, such as green hydrogen and biofuels, which are expected to gradually replace fossil fuels in the years to come.
Saket Dalmia, Immediate Former President, PHDCCI during his address discussed the practical challenges faced by the industry while onboarding biofuel energy and urged the minister for his support.
Dr. Venu Gopal Achanta, Director, CSIR – NPL, briefed about various energy technologies developed by CSIR. He highlighted that the pilot plant developed by the Indian Institute of Petroleum Dehradun for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Spice Jet took a successful test flight.
Speaking at the discussion was Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Executive Director of the PHDCCI, who explained how biofuels are viewed as a viable substitute that can be applied in a variety of sectors, including transportation. Startups, MSMEs, research and educational institutions, as well as companies in the steel, fertilizers, chemicals, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors, have a great opportunity to participate in India’s green energy transition, start bioenergy projects, and incorporate bioenergy into their operations, research, and studies.
Dr J P Gupta, Chair, Environment and Climate Change Committee highlighted that biofuels are the need of the hour for energy security and to promote employment and double the income of farmers.
Indian Oil, DCM Shriram, and Getsun Power sponsored the event, which was also supported by the PHDCCI annual sponsors, which included DLF Ltd., Jindal Steel & Power, KLJ Group, Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Marble City, MMG Group, Radico Khaitan Ltd., Uflex Ltd., Vestige, Eazy ERP Technologies, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., Sagar Group of Industries, Superior Industries Limited, Samsung India Electronics, Oswal Greentech, Apeejay Stya Group, Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt Ltd., DCM Shriram, R E Rogers, Trident Group, Ajit Industries Pvt Ltd., Bhagwati Plastic and Pipes Industries, Central Coalfields Ltd., DD Pharmaceutical Ltd., Handware Sanitary, Jindal Steel, Modern Automobiles, P S BEDI & Co.