Bioenergy: India’s roadmap to achieving net zero emissions by 2050

India is the third largest consumer of primary energy after the US and China. It has recorded a 4 percent growth rate in energy consumption over the last decade, primarily driven by the expanding economy, burgeoning population, rapid urbanization and industrialization.  At present, India’s energy consumption is largely dependent on carbon-based fossil fuels – majorly oil and coal of which, close to 50% is imported to meet the country’s exploding energy demands. 

India is moving on the trajectory to become a global manufacturing hub, in line with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ agenda. However, a lot remains a major area of concern that prevents India from becoming a truly self-reliant nation. In 2021-22, India has imported 212.2 million tonnes of crude oil. It is no secret that this dependence on fossil fuels remains one of the major sources of carbon emissions in the country. 

Considering the need to switch to cleaner alternatives, the Government of India, policymakers and industry stakeholders have set ambitious targets to manage emissions as a progressive step towards decarbonization. To enable these visionary goals and reduce carbon emissions intensity, several initiatives are being undertaken to diversify India’s energy portfolio and push the usage of biofuels in the country.  

Biofuels are one of the most sustainable energy sources that can be used across all manufacturing sectors. Many international counterparts have started working on their agenda to phase out conventional fossil fuel use while leveraging the systematic use of biofuels as a low-carbon replacement. Fossil fuels are highly energy intensive that involve activities such as mining and dredging for extraction and disrupting nature. However, biofuels are generated from waste that becomes a reliable and green energy alternative rather than ending up in a landfill.   

Escalating demand for modern bioenergy use

Bioenergy sources such as Biodiesel, Ethanol, Biogas, Biomass and Green Hydrogen poise to become an important pillar of decarbonization of the economy. Its applications and usage is expected to witness a significant surge to help India get on track with Net Zero emissions. According to a report, Biojet kerosene used in air travel increases substantially from nearly zero in 2021 to over 7% of all aviation fuel demand by 2030. 

Additionally, the liquid consumption of biofuel in road transport is also projected to quadruple from 2.1 mboe/d in 2021 to over 8 mboe/d in 2030. Similarly, bioenergy will potentially see a huge surge in demand for electricity generation to provide low-emission power and result in decarbonized processes.

Equally, on the other hand, biofuels in many other sectors can take advantage of the existing infrastructure of the country. Biomethane can use existing natural gas pipeline infrastructure while many liquid biofuels can use existing oil distribution networks with just minor alterations. 

Frameworks to incentivize biofuel use 

India has a long history of energy transition planning. To pledge for net zero emissions the Indian government has introduced various frameworks to pilot and implement biodegradable and bioenergy projects. In 2018, the National Policy on Biofuels was launched to announce a revised target of 20% bioethanol blending by 2030 where India remained at just 4% in 2017-2018. 

The policies and frameworks introduced are highly focused on promoting various forms of bioenergy with required financial aid and supply chain assistance. Apart from this, the government has also launched the SATAT scheme to boost the production of Compressed Biogas (CBH) in India. 

On account of World Environment Day, the country also witnesses several exhibitions, conferences, seminars, World Environment Expo 2023, Biofuel Expo 2023, Biodegradable Expo 2023 etc. These are organized by Green Society of India & ASSOCHAM and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to support India’s net zero emission agenda and provide a robust platform for businesses and stakeholders to come forward and contribute to growing usage of clean energy technologies.