World Biofuel Day is annually observed across the globe on 10th August to raise awareness about the importance of non-fossil fuels (Green Fuels), as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels and the significance of biofuels in providing a cleaner, more sustainable alternative energy source to fossil fuels.
- The day highlights the environmental benefits of biofuels, which are renewable, and sustainable, and help to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions.
- The day also honours Rudolf Christian Karl Diesel, a French-German engineer, who invented the diesel engine, also known as the Compression Ignition (CI) engine in the 19th century.
Background:
Since 2015, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG), Government of India (GoI) has been commemorating World Biofuel Day.
- It has been observed to popularise the consumption of blended biofuel in India, the world’s 3rd largest oil consumer after the United States of America (USA) and China.
Why 10 August?
On 10 August 1893, Rudolf Diesel showcased the prime model of his Diesel engine, fueled by peanut oil (biofuel), which ran on its power for the first time in Augsburg, Germany.
- The engine was a single 3-meter (10 feet) iron cylinder with a flywheel at its base.
What is Biofuel?
i.Biofuel is a type of fuel derived from biomass, which includes gases, liquids, or solids. Biomass sources include plant or algae material and animal waste.
ii.Biofuel is promoted as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels, especially given rising petroleum prices and global warming concerns.
- Common crops used in Biofuel production include sugarcane, maize, soybean, and sunflower, chosen for their high sugar, starch, or oil content.
iii.Renewable energy and energy efficiency can reduce energy-related carbon emissions by more than 90%.
Note: Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, are the largest contributor to global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global GHG emissions and nearly 90% of all Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Types of Biofuels:
The 2 most common types of biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel, both of which represent the 1st generation of biofuel technology (from seeds, grains, or sugars).
1.Ethanol(CH3CH2OH):It is a renewable fuel derived from plant materials, known as biomass.
- It is an alcohol used to blend with gasoline, enhancing octane levels and reducing emissions.
2.Biodiesel: It is a liquid fuel made from renewable sources like vegetable oils and animal fats.
- It serves as a cleaner-burning replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel and is nontoxic and biodegradable.
Biofuels in India:
i.As of November 30, 2023, India’s ethanol production capacity is approximately 1,380 crore litres, with 875 crore litres from molasses and 505 crore litres from grain sources.
ii.The Indian government permits ethanol production from non-food feedstocks, including cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials.
Government Initiatives:
i.The National Policy on Biofuels, released by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in 2018, targets 20% ethanol blending by Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26, and 5% biodiesel blending by 2030.
ii.The “Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan– Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana” provides financial support for 12 integrated bio-ethanol projects with a budget of Rs 1969.50 crore for the period 2018-19 to 2023-24.
iii.Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) was announced during 2023 G20 New Delhi summit to promote the development and adoption of sustainable biofuels and set relevant standards and certification.
- The alliance will also act as a central repository of knowledge and an expert hub. 24 countries and 12 International Organizations have already agreed to join the alliance.
2024 Event in India:
i.The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), an Intergovernmental Organisation, and its operations are aligned to those of the United Nations Common System (UNCS), marked World Biofuel Day 2024 with a special event in New Delhi, Delhi.
ii.The event was featured by the Chief Guest Ramakrishna YB, Former Chairperson of the Working Group on Biofuels (WGB), MoP&NG, and Current Member Expert of the WGB.
Key Event Highlights:
i.Ramakrishna YB released 2 short films by ICGEB, titled ‘Building a Greener Future: The Carbon Quest’, and ‘Building a Greener Future: Biomass to Biofuels’, showcasing research in carbon capture and biofuel production.
ii.His address, titled ‘Emerging Policy Ecosystem in India for Advanced Biofuels and Opportunities Towards Achieving Net Zero by 2070’, focused on India’s policy framework and the future of biofuels.
