At the 12th Edition of the CII Bioenergy Summit today, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted India’s significant advancements in bioenergy, in line with the summit’s theme, “Fuelling the Future – Securing India’s Green Growth Goals.” He noted that the ethanol blending percentage has increased from 1.53% in 2014 to an anticipated 15% by 2024. In light of these achievements, the government has moved the target for 20% blending to 2025, reaffirming its dedication to sustainable energy. Puri announced that discussions are underway to create a roadmap for the future after achieving the 20% blending goal, which will guide the nation’s efforts toward energy sustainability and self-reliance.
Puri commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in evolving India’s bioenergy landscape since 2014. He emphasized the importance of market dynamics, technological advancements, and supportive government policies in facilitating this transformation and enhancing sustainability in the energy sector.
The Minister shared notable results from the ethanol program, revealing that from 2014 to August 2024, it has led to foreign exchange savings of ₹1,06,072 crore, a reduction of CO2 emissions by 544 lakh metric tons, and a crude oil substitution of 181 lakh metric tons. Payments made to distillers by OMCs have totaled ₹1,50,097 crore, while farmers have received ₹90,059 crore, empowering them to transition from being Annadata to Urjadata. He also discussed the government’s ambitious Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) targets, aiming for 1% blending by 2027 and 2% by 2028, positioning India as a leader in bio-mobility.
During the event, Shri Puri predicted that India’s robust economic growth will account for 25% of global energy demand over the next two decades. He stressed that bioenergy will play a vital role in meeting this demand while also supporting climate goals and rural development. Currently valued at US$44 billion (according to Wood Mackenzie), the bioenergy market is projected to reach US$125 billion by 2050. If global net-zero targets are met, this figure could rise to US$500 billion.
Emphasizing India’s agricultural strength and vast biomass potential as key to the transition to clean energy, Puri stated that India is recognized as an agricultural powerhouse, being a leading producer of rice, wheat, cotton, sugar, and various horticultural and dairy products. He mentioned that the country has over 750 million metric tons of available biomass, with about two-thirds used for domestic purposes like cattle feed and compost. According to a PWC report, 32% of India’s total primary energy consumption comes from biomass, with over 70% of the population relying on it for energy across the value chain.
Shri Puri noted that India’s status as a major biofuel producer and consumer has been bolstered by coordinated policies, political support, and abundant feedstocks. He cited the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecast predicting a growth potential of 3.5 to 5 times for biofuels by 2050 due to net-zero targets, representing a substantial opportunity for India. The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) aims to promote knowledge sharing, technological innovation, and policy development, unlocking a $500 billion opportunity in biofuels and accelerating global adoption through technology transfer. He pointed out that initiatives like the Indian Solar Alliance (ISA) and GBA are designed to hasten the transition to cleaner energy, reduce import dependence, conserve foreign exchange, support a circular economy, and move toward an energy-independent future.
The Minister also discussed various incentives introduced by the government to support ethanol production.
Puri highlighted India’s collaboration with Brazil, stressing the importance of joint efforts in sustainable bioenergy and biofuels to improve energy security and reduce carbon emissions, especially in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like aviation and shipping.
In conclusion, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized that the responsibility for driving India’s green growth lies not only with the government but also with industry leaders, researchers, innovators, and citizens. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate actively to build a sustainable bioenergy sector that meets energy needs and sets a global benchmark.
