India is on track to achieve its 20% ethanol blending target by October 2025, well ahead of the original 2030 deadline, according to Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas. Speaking at the 12th CII Bioenergy Summit 2024 in New Delhi, Puri highlighted India’s progressive energy policies that have enabled the country to surpass its previous 10% blending target five months ahead of schedule.
Puri emphasized that despite the challenges of availability, affordability, and sustainability in the energy market, ethanol blending remains a viable solution. He noted that blending has led to significant savings in foreign exchange between 2014 and 2024, along with reduced carbon emissions. Furthermore, the substitution of crude oil with ethanol has benefited both the environment and farmers by increasing their income.
India is now equipped with 400 E100 fuel pumps across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, preparing the nation for next-generation automobile fuels. Technological advancements in the sector are accelerating, with biofuel technologies expected to move from 2G to 4G in the coming years.
India has also played a pivotal role in global bioenergy efforts. The country, in collaboration with Brazil and other key players, led the formation of the Global Bioenergy Alliance during its G20 presidency. This initiative brings together 25 countries and 12 international organizations to advance biofuel production and deployment globally.
Shishir Joshipura, CEO of Praj Industries, highlighted the potential of India’s bioenergy sector to generate over one million jobs, particularly in rural areas. Tarun Sawhney, Vice-Chairman of Triveni Engineering, projected a fivefold increase in biofuel processing technologies by 2030, driven by agricultural and forest residues.
