India invites Global South to join biofuel alliance

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Last Updated20/11/2023

Recently, India extended an invitation to Global South countries to join the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), emphasising the willingness to share biofuel expertise.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Achieving energy transition is contingent on global partnerships.
A collaborative approach will result in optimal resource distribution, technological partnerships and best practice sharing.