countries and international organizations . The biofuels could help in reducing energy imports , on which the country depends for a large part of its oil and natural gas requirements . The biofuel industry is not merely about substituting traditional fossil fuels ; it represents a paradigm shift towards renewable and eco-friendly energy sources .
With a rich agricultural landscape , India has the potential to harness the power of its diverse crops for biofuel production . From sugarcane and jatropha to waste biomass , the raw materials for biofuel are abundant , providing an opportunity to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels . One of the notable aspects of the biofuel industry is its potential to spur rural development . Biofuel crops are often grown in rural areas , providing farmers with an additional income stream . This not only contributes to poverty alleviation but also strengthens the agricultural backbone of the country . As the biofuel industry expands , it has the capacity to create jobs , boost local economies , and bridge the urban-rural development divide .
Green Energy for a Growing Nation
India is one of the fastest growing economies and the third largest consumer of primary energy in the world after the US and China . India ’ s fuel energy security will remain vulnerable until alternative fuels are developed based on renewable feedstocks . The government of India targets reducing the country ’ s carbon footprint by 30-35 % by the year 2030 .
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The launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance marks a watershed moment in our quest towards sustainability and clean energy .
Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India
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These targets will be achieved through a five-pronged strategy which includes : Increasing domestic production , adopting biofuels and renewables , implementing energy efficiency norms , improving refinery processes and achieving demand substitution . This strategy envisages a strategic role for biofuels in the Indian energy basket . The government of India has proposed a target of 20 % blending of ethanol in petrol and 5 % blending of biodiesel in diesel by 2030 and introduced multiple initiatives to increase indigenous production of biofuels .
Feedstock availability and production cost are the key drivers towards sustainable and commercial production and implementation of biofuels in India . A strong focus on technology is imperative for the development of second generation and other advanced biofuels utilizing
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