Mains Daily Question
Oct. 5, 2023
Q3. What are the different categories of biofuels? Highlight the challenges in harnessing its full potential.(10M, 150W)
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Approach to the answer: Introduction: You can write about definition of biofuel or CA news related to biofuels. Body: Explain 4 generations of biofuels. Then, explain its potential advantages as well as challenges along with suitable substantiation. Conclusion: Suitable steps can be written to utilise the potential of biofuels for energy security of the country . |
Answer: Any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from an organic matter in a short period of time (days, weeks, or months) is considered a biofuel. Recently, the Cabinet approved amendments to the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 to advance the target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol to Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26 from earlier 2030.
Based on the raw materials used to produce biofuels, they are classified into four generations:
Potential of Biofuels:
- Cost Efficiency: The biofuels can be produced at a cheaper rate than conventional fuels. Thereby available at cheaper price to consumers.
- Reduced Dependence: It will reduce India’s dependence on foreign oil resources and is estimated to save about $4 billion annually if the 20% blending is achieved (NITI Aayog)
- Livelihood Enhancement: It will help in increasing livelihood of Tribal and Farmers through constant source of income for oil seeds and products.
- GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) DHAN scheme focuses on managing and converting cattle dung and solid waste in farms to useful compost, biogas and bio-CNG, thus keeping villages clean and increasing the income of rural households.
- Emission Reduction: Biofuel reduces particle emission which leads to better environment and achieving Sustainable developmental goals.
- National Policy on Biofuels allows use of surplus food grains for production of ethanol for blending with petrol resulting in lower GHG emissions.
- Enhanced Vehicle Performance: There has been research which has proved that bio fuel enhances efficiency of vehicles.
- Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana was launched to set up commercial projects and to boost R&D in 2G Ethanol sector.
Challenges associated:
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Supply side |
Storage and Usage side |
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Impact on Food and Water Security as the estimated Ethanol demand of about 10 bn litres will need over 16 mn MT of grains per year by 2025. |
Increase in implementation cost as it needs additional storage tanks, increased retrofitting costs for E20 compatible vehicles etc.. |
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Unpredictable farming conditions due to weather and economic changes lead to irregular availability of biofuel raw materials. |
Since, ethanol is not available in all states for blending, it might indirectly increase transportation costs and emissions in certain North Eastern states. |
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Lack of Ethanol production facilities and limited private investment in the sector remains a challenge. |
There is restriction on interstate movement of ethanol due to lack of consistent implementation of statutes( Industries Act, 1951 ) by the States. |
Commercial use of Bio-fuel still has a long way to go. However, Government can take steps like Production of fuels from wastes (especially Urban waste), ban on certain food crop usage for fuel production, improving infrastructure of Oil Marketing Companies for ethanol storage, handling, blending etc.
