India is one of the leading producers of biofuels in the world. The Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have procured ethanol from domestic producers and thereafter blended 433.6 crore litres of ethanol in petrol during the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2021-22 (ESY: 1st December to 30th November) and procured 5.83 crore litres of bio-diesel till November, 2022 for blending with diesel during the financial year 2022-23. The Oil and Gas Marketing Companies (OGMCs) have issued 3694 Letters of Intent (LoIs) to potential entrepreneurs for procurement of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) up to 31st October, 2022.
India, during its Presidency of G20, is emphasising on international collaboration for energy security and enhanced development of emerging fuels like biofuel and hydrogen.
Government has notified the use of hydrogen as automotive fuel for fuel cell vehicles on 16th September, 2016.
Government has notified Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan – Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana for promoting Second Generation (2G) ethanol production from cellulosic and lignocellulosic biomass including petrochemical route in the country by providing financial support for setting up 2G ethanol bio-refineries. Oil CPSEs are setting up 2G ethanol bio-refineries in the country at Panipat (Haryana), Bathinda (Punjab), Numaligarh (Assam), Bargarh (Odisha) and one demonstration project at Panipat. Bio-refinery at Panipat has been dedicated to the nation. Plants at Bathinda, Bargarh and Numaligarh are in advanced stage of construction.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on Thursday.
