ANNOUNCEMENTS
The increased dependence on fossil fuels and the continuous increase of energy use in the transport sector have led to increased focus on use of biofuels as a measure to mitigate climate change and improve energy security. India in fulfilment to Paris Agreement introduced the National Biofuel Policy in 2008 in pursuance to reduce GHG emissions majorly from the transport sector and also to reduce its dependency on crude oil imports. The policy aimed at achieving 20% blending of ethanol till 2017 but due to various reasons a target of 5% also could not be achieved. In order to curb greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to adapt to clean and green fuel technology which would help in the decarbonisation of the transport sector. Biofuels, still contribute a very small portion of energy supply in the transport sector and therefore, the implementation of the National Biofuels policy effectively can lead to a drastic improvement in the biofuel utilisation. In this way, it is critical to distinguish the potential pathways as well as potential obstacles connected to the objectives so as to limit the risk of inefficient spending of resources and for refraining from dead end strategies. This study aims to explore the current biofuel scenario in India, and understanding the failure of the biodiesel programme in India. After analysing the limited success of the current biofuel scenario, through literature and secondary data sources, the feasibility of developing second generation biofuels in India was also studied.
Keywords: fossil fuels, biofuels, biofuel policy, emissions, second generation
