This report “Role of Non-grain-based Biofuels in India’s Energy Transition” by Global Biofuels Alliance concludes that India’s NGB biofuels sector is well established to be a fast-growing sector in India as well as globally, mirroring the nation’s economic growth. This report has laid a foundation for evaluating India’s NGB biofuels industry. However, the complexity of this task necessitates ongoing research and analysis. Further work is required in evaluating the feedstock potential at pan India level, deeper understanding of competing demand and excess available feedstock across various feedstocks to a more detailed level. Additional analysis is required to assess technologies for producing NGB biofuels to understand technical readiness levels cost competitiveness, yields, CapEx, etc. to continue innovation in technology, and build India’s leadership in this sector.
To scale the NGB biofuels following actions can be initiated:
1. Establish a committee to chart the roadmap for NGB biofuels in India
2. Create a task force to identify high priority geographical regions/states and develop regional/ state level targets based on regional conditions such as feedstock availability and supply chain, infrastructure, awareness, etc.
3. Form an advisory council to identify, address and prioritise feedstock level challenges
4. Identify a body to lead and coordinate R&D efforts for pathway development for NGB biofuels
5. Constitute a coordination cell with relevant stakeholders (ministries, government agencies, municipal corporations to develop feedstock level supply chain. E.g. FSSAI for UCO, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for MSW, etc.
6. Collaborate with other initiatives, eg: Mission LiFE, to drive awareness campaigns about biofuels
7. Develop innovative debt financing schemes and drive mandate with national funds to invest in NGB biofuels startups
8. Conduct stakeholder consultations to gather inputs on challenges in NGB biofuels in India and potential initiatives to advance them.
Access the report here
