Projections and Sustainability of Biofuels in India: Lessons for Punjab

Abstract

This study analysed the potential and sustainability of biofuels blending in India. Thus, from the country’s potential and perspective, it has expounded the lessons for biofuels production in Punjab. Growth analysis has been computed using Compound Annual Growth Rate obtained from 2006-2013, and projections were estimated until 2025. The actual total demand of ethanol could meet onlythe 5 percent of fuel ethanol blending mandate of the country; therefore, the redistribution of total ethanol for fuel and other purposes could meet the 5 percent fuel ethanol demand. Also, Punjab could contribute its allocated share of fuel ethanol demand for meeting the country’s 5 percent blending target. However, the state could not meet the total ethanol demand as the total area required has been compromised. In biodiesel, 5 and 10 percent blending could effectively be achieved, taking the available area into concern. However, the present yield of biodiesel was insignificant, and the use of multiple feedstocks and Jatropha could meet only 0.01percent of the total blend rate.