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.
Mistake that benefits no one: World leaders react to Trump's 'reciprocal tariffs'
As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," the world reacted sharply against the decision, with some calling it a "mistake that benefits no one" while others called it a violation of Washington's obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Indian pharmaceutical exports get reprieve from Trump’s reciprocal tariffs
Because of the importance of India’s pharmaceuticals to US healthcare, those exports will get a reprieve from President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, according to the White House.
India stands less impacted by Trump tariffs than global peers: Industry
As US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries, including India, industry experts said on Thursday that it appears India's export competitiveness to the US market stands far less impacted on a relative basis compared to global peers.
IAF pilot killed, another critical as Jaguar fighter jet crashes in Gujarat
An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot lost his life, while another sustained critical injuries after their two-seater Jaguar fighter jet crashed near Gujarat's Jamnagar Airfield, the IAF confirmed on Thursday.
PM Modi emplanes for Thailand; to attend BIMSTEC summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emplaned for Thailand on a state visit to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, with his visit also set to bolster bilateral relations between New Delhi and Bangkok.
Tripura CM stresses promoting NE states' potential to attract investment
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that the development of the communication process and system has generated a lot of investment potential, and therefore, more emphasis should be placed on promotion to attract investors in all the northeastern states.
Tripura has 94,723 Lakhpati Didis; 93,425 women to get similar status soon: Minister
Among the 4,75,582 Self Help Group (SHGs) members in Tripura, 94,723 women emerged as ‘Lakhpati Didis’ through their engagement in various enterprising units and 93,425 more women would be ‘Lakhpati Didis’ soon, Social Welfare and Labour Minister Tinku Roy said.
Bhavan’s Little Learners celebrate annual programme
The Bhavan’s Little Learners, Bordowali celebrated annual programme and organised prize distribution ceremony here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Wednesday.