Benefits India & world would derive from Global Biofuel Alliance
The International Energy Agency (IEA) defines biofuels as liquid fuels derived from biomass, as an alternative to fossil fuel based liquid transportation fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels.
Increasing global energy demand with the harmful environmental effects of fossil fuels has led to a search for alternative, renewable energy sources. It is opined, biofuels can substantially reduce particulate matter & carbon monoxide emissions by using biofuel as an alternative to fossil fuel.
Fossil fuel combustion started at the beginning of the Industrial revolution, and has since played a crucial role in catering to the global energy demands. The exponential increase in industrialisation, population and urbanisation in recent years has resulted in a global energy crisis, highlighting concern regarding the dependence on non-renewable sources of energy. Reportedly, fossil fuels, including petrol, diesel, coal, and natural gas supported 84% of the global primary energy consumption in 2019. At the current consumption rate, it is predicted that gas and oil reserves will run out in 50 years.
As regards the environment, the burning of the fossil fuels could emit gaseous pollutants like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter which can change the composition of the atmosphere with harmful effects on climate and public health according to experts.
With a view to mitigate the damaging effects of climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions, the Paris agreement in 2015 has set a target to limit global temperature rise to 2 °C above pre-industrial levels, while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 °C.
Reportedly, an estimated 58% of fossil fuels are consumed by the transportation of people and goods via road, rail, air, and marine travel globally. In 2016, the transport sector alone was reported to be responsible for 16% of the total global GHG emission highlighting the pressing need for green alternatives to petrol and diesel.
A potential solution
A potential solution to reduce GHG emissions, stabilise the global climate, and improve energy security calls for a transition away from the use of conventional fossil fuels towards greener, renewable sources of energy. Key renewable energy sources in this include, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biofuel, all of which have the ability to provide energy services with reduced emissions of GHGs and air pollutants.
Efforts by countries to reduce poverty & increasing urbanisation are said to have contributed to GHG emissions substantially prompting research and development in renewable energy and associated technologies with a focus on making these alternatives economically viable and sustainable.
Suitability of biofuel as a potential renewable energy source
Biofuels are combustible fuels produced from organic matter such as plant material and animal waste which can exist in solid, liquid, and gaseous forms. Ethanol is currently the most widely used biofuel globally accounting for approximately 80% of all liquid biofuel production. The use of ethanol has increased significantly in recent years with its global production predicted to surpass 135 billion Litres by 2024, largest contributors being USA and Brazil. As against biofuels, all other renewable energies, particularly solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear power sources are said to generate only electricity and hence cannot compete with oil.
The Global Biofuel Alliance
On September 10, 2023 on the sidelines of the Annual G-20 summit in New Delhi, an India-led grouping came together to give impetus to the production and use of biofuels, an alternative to fossil fuels like petroleum and diesel. The grouping called the Global Biofuels Alliance intends to:
- Attempt to bring countries together to co-develop, accelerate technological advances in production processes, and;
- Advocate the use of biofuels, particularly in the transport sector.
Biofuels, derived from renewable sources such as biomass and agricultural waste, offer a greener alternative to conventional fossil fuels, with lower carbon emissions. The GBA’s mission is to propel these sustainable alternatives into the mainstream, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation.
Biofuel a cost-efficient alternative to fossil fuel
Historically, biofuel production has grappled with high production costs, making it less competitive against traditional fossil fuels. The collaborative efforts and knowledge-sharing by the GBA alliance partners, facilitating the sharing of best practices, technology transfers, and the development of robust global markets is likely to help realising economies of scale, leading to significant cost reductions in biofuel production, rendering it a more attractive proposition for the industry.
Nations worldwide are therefore coming together to champion biofuels recognising their pivotal role in curbing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
Benefits India is expected to derive from GBA
India is the world’s 3rd largest crude oil consumer at around 5 million barrels a day behind the US and China, with her demand growing at 3-4% a year. It is estimated that, in a decade, India could be consuming about 7 million barrels a day.
The GBA alliance offers India a pathway to reduce its reliance on costly oil imports, enhance energy security, and foster economic growth. Through technology transfers and support for domestic biofuel production, the GBA can significantly contribute to India’s efforts to tackle its oil import bill problem, it is opined.
Epilogue
Biofuels offer a unique solution to the triple challenges faced by India of environment, economy & empowerment. As the country grapples with soaring energy demand, environmental degradation, and economic stress from fossil fuel imports, biofuels can prove to be a potent solution.
Biofuels can lower India’s fossil fuel import dependence, combat air pollution, and empower rural communities by utilising agricultural waste. The shift toward biofuels fits perfectly with India’s sustainability targets and reduces carbon emissions offering long-term economic and environmental benefits.
The establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance signifies a monumental step towards a more sustainable energy future for the world. India’s lead in establishing this alliance not only promises a cleaner and more diversified energy portfolio, but also offers economic opportunities, environmental benefits, and energy security, positioning India in the forefront of a global shift toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
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