Bioethanol & Bio-CNG Crucial To India’s Sustainable Transport Future: S&P Global Report

New Delhi, May 21 (KNN) India's expanding biofuels sector represents a vital component of the country's ongoing energy transformation, effectively balancing economic development with environmental sustainability, according to a recent report published by S&P Global.

The report identifies the transportation sector as a primary target for biofuel integration, noting that it constitutes a significant source of emissions while remaining heavily dependent on imported fuels. 

This sector presents both challenges and opportunities for implementing sustainable alternatives.

Rather than focusing exclusively on battery electric vehicles and hybrids, India is pursuing a comprehensive "multi-fuel mix" strategy, with S&P Global observing that "original equipment manufacturers in India are actively exploring and developing biofuel technologies." 

This diversified approach aims to enhance energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and stimulate agricultural economic growth.

The report highlights substantial progress in bioethanol production, with India approaching its ambitious 20 percent blending target. 

However, it notes that scaling up bio-compressed natural gas (bio-CNG) production and distribution systems requires more concentrated efforts to overcome existing infrastructure and supply chain challenges.

India's transportation landscape is characterised by increasing energy requirements and growing environmental concerns, driven by the nation's rapid economic expansion. 

"Bioethanol and bio-compressed natural gas (bio-CNG) have emerged as critical components of the strategy, which acknowledges the need to wean the country away from its reliance on fossil fuels, with oil imports accounting for about 88 per cent of import demand and gas imports for close to 50 per cent," according to the S&P Global analysis.

The report emphasises the economic benefits of biofuels, noting that reducing dependence on crude oil and liquefied natural gas imports can help "conserve valuable foreign exchange and help in enhancing economic resilience and self-reliance."

Indian automotive manufacturers are investing across a spectrum of technologies, including battery electric vehicles, hybrids, and flex-fuel vehicles, to address evolving energy demands. 

The focus on flex-fuel vehicles specifically complements India's bioethanol blending program, providing consumers with greater choice while supporting the expansion of the biofuels market.

(KNN Bureau)