Biofuel

Published on 07 Apr 2025

Biofuels are fuels derived from organic materials or biomass. These are produced from living organisms, such as plants or microorganisms, and are an alternative to fossil fuels.

Advantages of Biofuels

• Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Biofuels help to mitigate climate change and improve air quality since they typically emit fewer greenhouse gases than standard fossil fuels.

• Example: Between 2010 and 2021, the emission intensity decreased by 5.5%, mostly because of the increased use of biofuels, according to European Environmental Agency

• Renewable Source: Biofuels are sustainable and renewable substitutes for finite fossil fuels since they are made from organic materials like plants, algae, and animal waste.

• Domestic Production: It is possible to generate biofuels domestically, which improves energy security and lessens reliance on imported fossil fuels.

• Example: Mujkuva model of biogas production through women SHG’s in Gujarat

• Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure: Biofuels are used in current combustion engines and infrastructure with minimal modification, making them very simple to incorporate into existing transportation and energy systems.

Disadvantages of Biofuels

• Land Use Change and Deforestation: Particularly in delicate habitats like wetlands and rainforests, large-scale biofuel feedstock farming can result in habitat loss, deforestation, and biodiversity deterioration.

• Example: Indonesia's biodiesel drive is leading to deforestation.

• Competition with Food crops: Food crops and biofuel production can compete, potentially resulting in disputes over land usage, food security, and increased food costs. Examples of these crops are corn, sugarcane, and soybeans.

• Example: Between 2001 and 2016, more than two million hectares of forest were lost to make way for palm oil plantations in Indonesia.

• Limited Feedstock Availability: There is obstacles to scaling up biofuel production sustainably if there is a lack of acceptable feedstock due to variables including land availability, climate, and competition with other land uses.

• Resource intensive: The production of biofuels raises the possibility of environmental effects including soil erosion, water pollution, and higher carbon emissions since it necessitates large inputs of land, water, fertilizers, and energy.

Government initiatives and policy measures

• National Policy on Biofuels (2018): It promotes the production of advanced biofuels and targets for blending biofuels with traditional fuels.

• Ethanol Blending Program (EBP): It aims to blend ethanol with petrol to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease emissions. The government has set targets for ethanol blending in petrol and taken steps to increase the availability and production of ethanol.

• Biodiesel Purchase Policy: To promote the use of biodiesel in the country by outlining the procurement and pricing mechanisms for biodiesel produced from non-edible oilseeds, used cooking oil, and other feedstocks.

• Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool Fasal Awashesh Nivaran) Yojana: Launched as part of the National Policy on Biofuels, it aims to promote the use of biofuels, especially second-generation ethanol produced from agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, and other biomasses.

International initiatives

• Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP): It brings together public, private and civil society stakeholders in a joint commitment to promote bioenergy for sustainable development.

• International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA): It provides support for the development of sustainable bioenergy projects, offers policy advice, and facilitates knowledge sharing among its member countries.

• Advanced Biofuels Collaboration (IEA Bioenergy): It is a project of the International Energy Agency (IEA) that focuses on improving the understanding and deployment of advanced biofuels. The collaboration involves member countries and industry stakeholders working together to advance the development and commercialisation of advanced bioenergy technologies.

• Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) - European Union: The RED II is a regulatory framework of the European Union that sets targets for the use of renewable energy in the transportation sector, including biofuels.

• Advanced Biofuel Task Force - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): It aims to facilitate collaboration among member economies to advance the development and commercialisation of advanced biofuels in the Asia-Pacific region.

Way Forward

• Diversification of Feedstocks: The process of diversifying feedstocks minimizes competition with food crops, improves resource efficiency, and lessens the environmental effects of producing biofuels.

• Investment in Advanced Biofuel Technologies: Set aside funds for research and development to further the creation of innovative biofuel technologies, including bio-hydrogen, cellulosic ethanol, and algae-based biofuels.

• Supportive Policy Frameworks: Encourage investment in the production and consumption of biofuels by putting supportive laws, rules, and incentives in place.

• Integration with Circular Economy: Encourage the fusion of the production of biofuels with other facets of the circular economy, including waste management, forestry, agriculture, and biorefining.

Methanol Vs Ethanol

Tags:
Environment

Keywords:
Renewable energy Biofuel Ethanol blending Micro organisms Methanol Ethanol

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Environment and Climate Change