India, US, Brazil in global biofuel push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the launch of a global biofuel alliance with the US and Brazil as other founding members; the pact that is meant to boost the use of cleaner fuels.

- Jayashree Nandi, Rajeev Jayaswal

Biofuels include those derived from biomass such as sugarcane (like ethanol), which are considered renewable unlike petrol or natural gas that is derived from fossils. The alliance is expected to boost demand for biofuel, enhance its trade and encourage its production through newer methods.

"We are launching the Global Biofuel Alliance. India invites all of you to join this initiative," Modi said in his remarks to leaders at the Group of 20 (G20) major economies at the summit.

India imports 87% of its crude oil requirements, and the blending of more biofuels in conventional ones has helped it drastically cut its import reliance.

Still, the issue is such that the country's crude oil import bill in 2022-23 was $157.6 billion, about 31% more from the previous financial year.

The push for a biofuels alliance mirrors the International Solar Alliance launched by New Delhi and Paris in 2015 to bring clean and affordable solar energy within the reach of all.

The International Energy Agency estimates in a July report that global sustainable biofuels production would need to triple by 2030 to put the world's energy system on track towards net zero emissions by 2050.

"The alliance will help accelerate India's existing biofuels programs such as PM-JIVAN Yojana, SATAT, and GOBARDhan scheme, which will help in raising farmers' income, creating jobs and overall development of the Indian ecosystem," said a government statement.

Brazil, India, and the US are leading biofuel producers and consumers, and have played a key role in the development of a Global Biofuel Alliance along with other interested countries.