Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
National Policy on Biofuels – 2018
What are the salient features of the National Policy on Biofuels – 2018?
The Policy categorizes biofuels into "Basic Biofuels" (First Generation bioethanol & biodiesel) and "Advanced Biofuels" (Second Generation ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste to drop-in fuels, etc.). It expands the scope of raw material for ethanol production by allowing various agricultural products, including surplus food grains.
How does the policy help farmers?
The Policy allows the use of surplus food grains for ethanol production during surplus production phases, ensuring that farmers can utilize their produce effectively and avoid price fluctuations.
What are the expected benefits of the National Policy on Biofuels?
Expected benefits include:
- Reducing import dependency and saving foreign exchange.
- Cleaner environment by reducing CO2 emissions.
- Health benefits by preventing the reuse of cooking oil in the food industry.
- Efficient management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).
- Infrastructural investment in rural areas through bio-refinery setups.
- Employment generation through bio-refinery operations.
- Additional income for farmers through the sale of agricultural waste.
What is the background of the National Policy on Biofuels?
The National Policy on Biofuels was initially created in 2009 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. With the global shift towards biofuels in the last decade, it is essential to align with these developments to support initiatives like Make in India and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan while addressing the availability of domestic feedstock for biofuel production.