India to launch Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)

Context :The upcoming 14th Clean Energy Ministerial and Eighth Mission Innovation (CEM14/MI-8) conference, taking place in Goa from July 19-22, 2023, aims to establish the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).

What are Biofuel?

What is the Global Biofuels Alliance?

To be established by: India, Brazil and US
G20 Priority: The GBA is a crucial priority under India’s G20 Presidency.
Learning from ISA: The GBA draws inspiration from the International Solar Alliance (ISA), jointly initiated by India and France in 2015 to combat climate change through solar energy adoption.
Membership and Endorsement: Other nations can join the GBA by endorsing the foundation document, and membership is open to non-G20 countries.
Aim: To facilitate cooperation and intensify the use of sustainable biofuels, including in the transportation sector.
- The alliance seeks to enhance markets, facilitate global biofuels trade, share policy insights, and provide technical assistance for national biofuels programs.
- It will also emphasize the already implemented best practices and success cases.

India’s Biofuel Achievements

Milestone Achieved: In 2020-21, India produced 4.08 billion liters of ethanol, achieving a 10.02% blending rate and reducing 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Goals and Targets: India aims for a 12% blending rate by 2022-23 and a 20% blending rate by 2025, necessitating an increased ethanol production capacity of 17 billion litres.
Focus on Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG):India promotes waste-derived compressed bio-gas (CBG) through the SATAT program for sustainable transportation.
Target Deadline: India aims to install 5,000 CBG plants across the country by 2024.

Global response

Brazil’s Support: Brazil expressed support for the GBA and its goals to expand and strengthen sustainable biofuels markets.
Saudi Arabia’s Focus: Saudi, a major oil producer, has a focus on conventional hydrocarbons and has not favored the GBA.
Russia’s Opec+ Involvement: Russia, as part of the Opec+ group, has been implementing production cuts despite fragile global economic recovery.
China’s Opposition: China, a significant biofuel producer, opposed India’s initiative and skipped a G20 tourism meeting in Srinagar.

Conclusion

GBA fosters global collaboration and adoption of sustainable biofuels, marking a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector.
India’s biofuel production and aviation fuel advancements support the alliance’s objectives effectively.

FAQs Related with Global Biofuel Alliance

Ques 1: What is the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)?

Answer: The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) is an international coalition aimed at promoting the adoption and development of sustainable biofuels.

Ques 2: What are the objectives of the Global Biofuel Alliance?

Answer: The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) aims to promote collaboration, research, development, and adoption of sustainable biofuels.

Ques 3: How does India contribute to the Global Biofuel Alliance?

Answer: India’s achievements in biofuel production and advancements in aviation fuel serve as a strong foundation for the goals and objectives of the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).

India to launch Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA),India to launch Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)