Perceptions and Realities of Promoting Biofuels in India: A Look at the National Policy on Biofuels

Abstract

The present century has witnessed a global transformation of the environment due to the rapid extraction and exploitation of fossil fuels, which is most evident in our atmosphere. Coupled with the rising population, increasing energy demands, depleting coal reserves and the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, developing countries are moving towards cleaner renewable energy sources. Much of the prospects for reducing dependency on oil are directed towards the transportation sector, especially in countries like India. As such, this paper analyses the potential of the National Policy on Biofuels (2009) in driving an energy balance to meet the growing energy demands without compromising food security and environmental sustainability. This paper is opinionistic in context and seeks to address the questions relating on how India will reach the blending requirement of biodiesel with most of its land arable land under cultivation and its growing population demand for food and energy. Can India successfully transit to biofuel energy in the transport sector and reduce its carbon emission that would allow for sustainable growth? The study reveals that the current biofuel policy is skewed towards the supply side of biofuels; demand factors like consumption, and support and demonstration of renewable energy devices also play a significant role in promoting biofuels. Nevertheless, the growing consciousness for green energy supply – especially biofuels – could negate the adverse effects of coal-based power plants and fill the energy gap met through imports.