Global biofuels alliance in G20 with India leading the way

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance, which India envisioned to promote biofuels, at the G20 summit. USA, Bangladesh, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, Mauritius, UAE and South Africa are in the alliance along with India. Modi's announcement was made in the presence of national leaders from these countries on the stage on the first day of the summit. Singapore and Canada will be observer countries.

Modi said the alliance is a crucial step towards clean energy. He also suggested that adding 20 percent ethanol to petrol should be implemented globally to significantly reduce carbon emissions. The aim is to produce biofuels globally from biomass such as plants, agricultural residues and other organic wastes, make them available at reasonable prices and promote their use, including in the transportation sector. The tasks of the alliance are the transfer of technology and formulation of standards to the countries of the world for this purpose. It will be a forum to promote global cooperation for the advancement and adoption of biofuels.

Biofuels will be promoted as a renewable energy source that reduces carbon emissions and replaces traditional fossil fuels. The alliance will help achieve energy independence and reduce dependence on foreign oil by increasing the use of biofuels. The move towards alternative energy sources is beneficial for India as well.

India, the world's third-largest oil importer, is currently promoting the use of biofuels from sugarcane, grains and agricultural waste. The central government has decided to increase the use of sugarcane in the ethanol blend fuel scheme to benefit the sugarcane farmers.