India invites Global South to join biofuel alliance
- Recently, India extended an invitation to Global South countries to join the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), emphasising the willingness to share biofuel expertise.
Global Biofuels Alliance
- The GBA, launched at the G20 leaders meeting, aims to reduce emissions in transportation and industrial sectors.
- The GBA, inclusive of top producers Brazil and the US, seeks to establish a global market for biofuel trade derived from biomass.
Biofuel Achievements in India
- India achieved its target of blending 10% ethanol in petrol by May 2022, five months ahead of the deadline.
- India has advanced its goal for 20% ethanol blending in petrol to 2025, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable energy practices.
Impact of Biofuel
- Biomass conversion into fuel provides an additional income source for farmers in India.
- Achieving 10% ethanol blending resulted in
- A payment of USD 8.7 billion to farmers
- A reduction of over 40 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in the last nine years.
India's Renewable Energy Leadership
- India has become the world's largest producer of renewable energy, with 40% of its installed electricity capacity sourced from non-fossil fuel.
- Solar tariffs have significantly decreased, making renewable energy more accessible.
- India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission with a goal of producing 5 million tonnes by 2030.
- Positioning India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export.
- India’s Goals
- Achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
- Non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW
- Meet 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.
Energy Transition Strategy
- India adopts a pragmatic approach to energy policy diversification, focusing on non-conventional sources.
- Such as biofuels, compressed biogas, green hydrogen, solar, and wind.
- The government emphasizes policy reforms to enhance energy security while mitigating climate change.
Collaborative Solutions
- Achieving energy transition is contingent on global partnerships.
- A collaborative approach will result in optimal resource distribution, technological partnerships and best practice sharing.
Prelims Takeaway
- National Green Hydrogen Mission
- Global Biofuel Alliance
- Renewable Energy