Modi Government Amends Biofuels Policy, Advances 20 Per Cent Ethanol Blending Target To 2025-26

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today (18 May) approved the amendments to the National Policy on Biofuels-2018.

The major amendments approved to the National Policy on Biofuels include advancing the ethanol blending target of 20 per cent blending of ethanol in petrol to Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26 from 2030 and adding new members to the National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC).

Among other approved amendments are allowing more feedstocks for production of biofuels; promoting production of biofuels in the country under 'Make in India' program by units located in Special Economic Zones (SEZ)/ Export Oriented Units (EoUs); and grant of permission for export of biofuels in specific cases.

The “National Policy on Biofuels - 2018” was notified by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on 04 June 2018 in supersession of National Policy on Biofuels, promulgated through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, in 2009.

The approved amendments are in line with advancements in the field of Biofuels and various decisions taken in the NBCC meetings to increase biofuel production.

The amendment proposal will pave the way for 'Make in India' drive leading to the reduction in import of petroleum products by generating more and more biofuels. Since many more feedstocks are being allowed for production of biofuels, this will promote the Atmanirbhar Bharat and give an impetus to Prime Minister’s vision of India becoming 'energy independent' by 2047.

The new set of proposal will also attract and foster developments of indigenous technologies and generate more employment.

Also Read: Why Bihar Is Bullish On Ethanol And How This Alternative Fuel Fits In India's Energy Jigsaw