The government has advanced its target for 20 per cent ethanol blending by 2025, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, said on Monday.
The minister said discussions have already started to develop a roadmap for the future, post the attainment of the 20 per cent blending target.
"This roadmap will guide the country’s next steps in its pursuit of energy sustainability and self-reliance," said Minister Puri at the 12th edition of the ‘CII Bioenergy Summit’ in the national capital.
The country's ethanol blending initiative has seen the percentage rise from 1.53 per cent in 2014 to a projected 15 per cent by 2024.
Puri commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in transforming India’s bioenergy ecosystem since 2014. The minister emphasised the crucial role of market dynamics, technology advancements, and supportive government policies in driving this transformation and enhancing sustainability in the energy sector. From 2014 till August 2024, the ethanol programme has generated foreign exchange savings of Rs 1,06,072 crore, reduced CO2 emissions by 544 lakh metric tonnes, and achieved crude oil substitution of 181 lakh metric tonnes.
"Payments to distillers by oil marketing companies (OMCs) have reached Rs 1,50,097 crore. Farmers have been paid Rs 90,059 crore, empowering them from being Annadata to being Urjadata," said the minister.
Additionally, the government's ambitious targets for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aiming for 1 per cent blending in 2027 and 2 per cent in 2028, positioning India as a leader in bio-mobility.
Valued at $44 billion, the country’s bioenergy market is projected to grow to $125 billion by 2050. If global net-zero targets are achieved, this figure could surge to $500 billion, according to the minister.
Minister Puri highlighted that the country, recognised as an agricultural powerhouse, is a leading producer of rice, wheat, cotton, sugar, and various horticultural and dairy products. "The country has more than 750 million metric tonnes of available biomass, with about two-thirds being used for domestic purposes such as cattle feed and compost fertiliser," the minister noted.
India’s position as a major biofuel producer and consumer has been strengthened through coordinated policies, political support, and abundant feedstocks. The minister also referred to different incentives introduced by the government to support ethanol production.
Sri Lankan Navy arrests 32 Tamil fishermen, five boats seized
The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 32 fishermen from Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and fishing in Lankan waters.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi hails ISRO's century in rocket launches, urges people to dedicate a day for science
Addressing the 119th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Indian Space Research Organisation, saying it has hit the century in space. Last month, the country witnessed the ISRO's 100th rocket launch.
Mizoram student stabbed to death in Kerala, batchmate arrested
A 22-year-old BTech student from Mizoram was stabbed to death near his college in Thiruvananthapuram. The deceased, Valentine, was a student at Rajadhani Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nagaroor.
Italy PM slams Left's double standards, says when Trump, Meloni, Modi talk, they are called threat to democracy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has accused left-wing politicians of being "nervous" over former US President Donald Trump's victory, claiming that conservatives are unfairly labelled as a "threat to democracy" while leftist leaders are celebrated for similar global alliances.
NDRF intensifies rescue operation to save 8 trapped in Telangana tunnel
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on Sunday intensified rescue efforts to save eight persons trapped in an under-construction tunnel after a portion of its roof collapsed in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district on February 22.
Israel delays Palestinian prisoner release after 'humiliating' hostage handovers
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the release of Palestinian prisoners would be delayed until Hamas ceases its "humiliating ceremonies" during the release of Israeli hostages under the ceasefire deal.
PM Modi on 3-day visit to MP, Bihar, Assam from today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Assam from February 23 to 25 to participate in several developmental projects and inaugurate business summits.
US senators call out China for 'weaponising' UN 1971 resolution, vow support to Taiwan
The United States Senators accused China of subverting United Nations Resolution 2758 in an attempt to isolate Taiwan. The senators proposed a resolution in the Senate reaffirming US support for Taiwan. The resolution opposes China's attempt to prevent Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organisations.