Bio-mobility is ‘inalienable’ for India’s sustainable future

India is a rapidly growing economy with an ever-increasing demand for energy and faces significant challenges in balancing development with environmental sustainability. As the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, the country is at a critical juncture where innovative solutions are essential to mitigate climate change and ensure a sustainable future.

As India’s economy expands and urbanization accelerates, the demand for transportation infrastructure and services is increasing exponentially. The extensive use of fossil fuels in road transport contributes to around 13% of India’s total carbon dioxide emissions.  Bio-mobility offers a promising avenue to address this conundrum with the use of renewable biological resources, such as biodiesel and biogas, to power transportation systems reducing carbon emissions to a great extent.

Emission Enquiry

The difference of emission is expectedly huge between fossil fuels and biofuels. Emission from diesel burning stands out at 2.77 kg of CO2 per liter, while gasoline emits 2.3 kg. In sharp contrast, biofuels offer a much lower lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions profile compared to fossil fuels. For instance, ethanol has been shown to reduce GHG emissions by an average of 34% compared to gasoline as per the study of the US Department of Energy.

Biodiesel, particularly B100 (pure biodiesel), can significantly reduce particulate emissions. Studies from the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reveal that B100 can cut particulate matter emissions by up to 47% and total hydrocarbons by as much as 67%. This is when the trapped hydrocarbons in the Earth’s crust are not put out in the external carbon cycle of the planet.

Coming to ethanol blends, such as E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline), can achieve reductions in carbon monoxide emissions by 20-30%. B100 provides significant reductions in lifecycle CO2 emissions (over 75%) and nearly halves particulate matter emissions.

Studies, including reports from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), suggest that using B20 biodiesel in the U.S. could cut emissions by amounts equivalent to removing hundreds of thousands of passenger vehicles from the road each year. India also requires more such kinds of studies. In fact, in 2018, ethanol production in the U.S. led to a reduction of 55 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, comparable to taking 12 million cars off the road.

Biomobility v/s EVs or Hydrogen run vehicles

Bio-mobility, electric vehicles (EVs), and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are all crucial pillars of sustainable transportation, each offering unique advantages and facing specific challenges. First of all, biofuels can be used in existing internal combustion engines with minimal modifications, leveraging the current fuel distribution infrastructure. This contrasts with EVs and hydrogen vehicles, which require significant investment in new infrastructure for charging stations and hydrogen refuelling stations. There is ease of transition.

Biofuels utilises agricultural and urban wastes making them widely available and adaptable to local resources. Biofuel production can stimulate rural economies by providing jobs to youth and supporting the agriculture sector. The U.S. ethanol industry, for instance, supported approximately 68,000 direct jobs in 2022.

Talking about cost considerations, biofuel-compatible vehicles are generally less expensive than EVs and hydrogen vehicles as they run on existing internal combustion engine technology.

The Government of India has implemented numerous initiatives to bolster the biofuel industry, recognizing its potential to enhance sustainable development. Through measures like National Biofuel Policy (2018), Ethanol Blending Program and Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, the government seeks to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, support rural economies, and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.

As a result of all these efforts of the Government, India’s biodiesel production has increased due to investments in production facilities and the establishment of biodiesel pumps. It has been revealed that India’s current ethanol production capacity stands at 1,364 crore liters, up from 12 crore liters in 2018. Major oil companies and private firms have been investing in biofuel infrastructure – both in up-stream and down-stream segments. By 2023, India had over 1,000 biodiesel retail outlets, up from fewer than 500 in 2018.

Technological Advancements

The focus is now on developing second-generation biofuels, which use non-food biomass like agricultural residues. Projects such as the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) bio-refinery in Bathinda aim to produce ethanol from agricultural waste.

Indian companies have been collaborating with international firms and research institutions to improve biofuel production technologies. Innovations in enzyme technology and process optimization have increased yields and reduced costs.

Lear It The Brazil Way

Brazil has truly transformed itself into a global leader in bio-mobility, particularly through the extensive use of ethanol derived from sugarcane. The country initiated its ethanol program in the 1970s to reduce dependency on imported oil. It has developed a comprehensive ethanol infrastructure, including production, distribution, and utilization in vehicles. Flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) that can run on both gasoline and ethanol are widely available. Today, the Brazilian biofuels firms are delivering their technologies and methodologies world over. India is also a likely beneficiary of Brazil’s biofuels industry.

As of 2019, about 85% of all new cars sold in Brazil were flex-fuel vehicles. These vehicles can use pure ethanol (E100) or any blend of ethanol and gasoline, providing consumers with flexibility and contributing to high ethanol consumption rates.

The widespread adoption of ethanol has decreased Brazil’s reliance on imported oil, contributing to greater energy security and economic stability.

Economic & Environmental Go Together

 The adoption of bio-mobility in India offers numerous economic and environmental benefits. By reducing the dependency on imported crude oil, which accounted for 85% of India’s oil needs in 2020, the country can achieve greater energy security and reduce its trade deficit. Moreover, bio-mobility promotes rural development by creating employment opportunities in biomass production and biogas plant operations, providing a steady income for farmers and rural communities.

Environmentally, bio-mobility significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to India’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce its emissions intensity by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030. The utilization of agricultural residues and organic waste for biofuel and biogas production also mitigates air pollution caused by crop burning and improper waste disposal.

Despite its potential, bio-mobility in India faces several challenges, including technological constraints and high initial investment costs. To overcome these hurdles, concerted efforts are being made from the government, private sector, and research institutions. The investments must go up in developing robust infrastructure for biofuel distribution and biogas production. Public awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of bio-mobility can drive consumer acceptance and support for this green transition.

As the country continues to advance its bio-mobility initiatives, it stands to set an example for the world in sustainable transportation, ensuring a greener and more prosperous future for all.

(The author is associated with Indian Federation of Green Energy)