India Accelerates Bioenergy Push with Advanced Ethanol Blending Targets and Green Growth Initiatives

New Delhi: At the 12th Edition of the CII Bioenergy Summit, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted India’s remarkable strides in bioenergy, aligning with the theme, “Fuelling the Future – Securing India’s Green Growth Goals.” Addressing the summit, Shri Puri underscored the nation’s success in its ethanol blending program, which has risen from a mere 1.53% in 2014 to a projected 15% by 2024. In a major policy move, the government has now advanced its target for 20% blending to 2025, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable energy.

The Minister announced that the government is already laying the groundwork for its post-20% blending roadmap, ensuring India’s continued progress towards energy sustainability and self-reliance. “We are building on the success of our ethanol program, driven by the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Puri stated, acknowledging the role of market forces, technological innovations, and supportive government policies in transforming India’s bioenergy sector.

The Minister shared key achievements of India’s ethanol program, revealing that it generated ₹1,06,072 crore in foreign exchange savings and reduced CO2 emissions by 544 lakh metric tons between 2014 and August 2024. Additionally, the program has substituted 181 lakh metric tons of crude oil, with payments to distillers from oil marketing companies (OMCs) amounting to ₹1,50,097 crore. Importantly, farmers have received ₹90,059 crore in payments, elevating their role from food producers (Annadata) to energy providers (Urjadata).

Puri also outlined the government’s ambitious plans for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aiming for 1% blending by 2027 and 2% by 2028. These targets will position India as a global leader in bio-mobility and sustainable energy.

Highlighting India’s robust economic growth and the country’s projected 25% share of global energy demand over the next two decades, Puri emphasized bioenergy’s vital role in achieving climate goals and fostering rural development. He noted that the bioenergy market, valued at $44 billion today, is expected to grow to $125 billion by 2050. With the attainment of global net-zero targets, this market could expand further to $500 billion.

India’s agricultural strength and vast biomass potential are key drivers of its transition to clean energy. As one of the world’s leading producers of rice, wheat, sugar, and horticultural products, the country has over 750 million metric tons of available biomass, with about two-thirds used for domestic purposes like cattle feed and compost. Currently, 32% of India’s total primary energy consumption is derived from biomass, according to a report by PWC.

Puri also emphasized India’s position as a leading biofuel producer and consumer, crediting coordinated policies and political support. He highlighted the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) forecast, which predicts biofuels will grow 3.5 to 5 times by 2050, creating significant opportunities for India. The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), a collaborative initiative, aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and technological advancement, unlocking a $500 billion biofuel market.

The Minister also pointed to India’s collaboration with Brazil, a key partner in sustainable bioenergy and biofuels, particularly in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like aviation and shipping. This partnership will further enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions, positioning India as a global leader in green energy.

In his concluding remarks, Puri emphasized that achieving India’s green growth goals requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including industry leaders, researchers, and innovators. He urged stakeholders to collaborate boldly to build a sustainable bioenergy sector that not only meets India’s energy needs but also sets a global standard for clean energy.

“The responsibility for India’s green future extends beyond the government,” Puri said. “It is a call to action for all of us to fuel a sustainable bioenergy sector that will drive growth and innovation for decades to come.”