Lav Kumar is additional director at the Centre for High Technology (CHT), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). Following his graduation in chemical engineering from Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, Lav Kumar joined the petrochemical division of Gail India Limited. After acquiring 15 years of extensive experience, predominantly in the petrochemical industry, he transitioned to the R&D and biofuel division of CHT, MoPNG. In his current role, he is engaged in government flagship schemes promoting biofuels, focusing on second-generation ethanol and compressed biogas (CBG). Additionally, he is involved in advancing R&D initiatives aimed at energy transition in the oil and gas industry. As a BEE-certified energy auditor and an ISO auditor, he has managed numerous projects related to safety and energy audits in the petrochemical sector. According to Kumar, notable initiatives of the MoPNG include the successful implementation of the ethanol blending programme, with a current 15 per cent ethanol blend and an accelerated target of 20 per cent by 2025; and the SATAT scheme, which aims to achieve 15 million metric tonnes (MMT) of CBG and 50 MMT of manure from 5,000 plants. Additional initiatives include the CBG mandate, financial assistance for biomass aggregation machinery, and pipeline construction for direct CBG injection into the city gas distribution network. Another key target is to blend 1 per cent sustainable aviation fuel with conventional jet fuel for international flights by 2027 – a substantial step towards reducing carbon emissions. The government is also promoting 2G ethanol plants that will utilise agricultural residues, and green hydrogen plants. The proposed 2024-25 budget includes a Rs 1 trillion corpus for long-term
financing in emerging sectors such as green fuel, green farming and green mobility.
In his spare time, Kumar likes reading and running, having participated in half-marathons to maintain fitness. He also enjoys travelling, exploring new places and cuisines, and trekking. Looking ahead, he aims to enhance his ability to engage effectively with stakeholders and gain deeper insights into the biofuel sector’s challenges. He seeks to capitalise on the abundant on-ground learning opportunities available in the 2G ethanol and CBG sectors in India.
(The views expressed here are personal views and do not represent the official position or views of CHT or the MoPNG)
