Daily Current Affairs : 11-September-2023
In a groundbreaking move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) during the G20 Summit held in New Delhi. This alliance aims to revolutionize the energy landscape by promoting the use of biofuels. Biofuels are derived from biomass, and the two most prevalent types are ethanol and biodiesel. Let’s delve deeper into what biofuels are, the purpose of GBA, its member countries, and its significance for India.
Understanding Biofuels
Biofuels: A Sustainable Energy Source
- Biomass can be directly converted into liquid fuels, referred to as biofuels.
- Ethanol and biodiesel are the primary types of biofuels in use today, representing the first generation of biofuel technology.
- Ethanol, a renewable fuel, is derived from various plant materials collectively known as “biomass.” It is commonly used as a blending agent with gasoline to enhance octane and reduce emissions.
- Biodiesel, another biofuel, is produced from renewable sources like vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking grease. It is a cleaner alternative to petroleum-based diesel fuel, being non-toxic and biodegradable.
Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA)
An Initiative to Drive Biofuels Adoption
- GBA, spearheaded by India, seeks to create an alliance comprising governments, international organizations, and industries to promote the adoption of biofuels.
- The alliance’s aim is to position biofuels as a crucial element in the energy transition, fostering job creation and economic growth.
- GBA intends to bring together major consumers and producers of biofuels to advance biofuel development and deployment.
- Notable members include 19 countries and 12 international organizations, with support from G20 countries, invitee countries, and non-G20 nations.
How GBA Works
Promoting Sustainable Biofuels Worldwide
- GBA will support global biofuel development and deployment through capacity-building exercises, technical support, and policy sharing.
- It will establish a virtual marketplace connecting industries, countries, ecosystem players, and technology providers to map demand and supply.
- GBA will facilitate the development, adoption, and implementation of internationally recognized standards and sustainability principles to incentivize biofuel adoption and trade.
Significance for India
Strengthening India’s Global Position
- GBA is a tangible outcome of India’s G20 presidency, enhancing the country’s global standing.
- The alliance encourages collaboration and offers opportunities for Indian industries to export technology and equipment.
- GBA can accelerate India’s ongoing biofuel initiatives like PM-JIVAN Yojna, SATAT, and GOBARdhan scheme, boosting farmers’ income, job creation, and overall ecosystem development.
- The global ethanol market’s predicted growth presents a substantial opportunity for India to benefit from biofuel production.
Biomass Programs in India
Driving Sustainable Practices
- India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas aims for a 20% ethanol blend in petrol by 2025.
- The Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative aims to establish 5,000 BioCNG plants with a production target of 15 MMT by 2023-24.
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is setting up 500 new compressed biogas (CBG) plants under the GOBAR-dhan scheme.
- The Ministry of Power’s Samarth Scheme seeks to co-fire biomass pellets with coal power, promoting carbon-neutral biomass utilization.
- India plans to mandate a one percent blending of Sustainable Aviation fuel with conventional jet fuel for all Indian airlines by 2025.
Important Points:
Biofuels
- Biomass can be converted into biofuels, including ethanol and biodiesel.
- Ethanol is made from various plant materials and used to enhance gasoline.
- Biodiesel is derived from renewable sources like vegetable oils and animal fats.
- Biofuels are cleaner and more sustainable than traditional fossil fuels.
Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA)
- An initiative led by India to promote biofuel adoption globally.
- Aims to position biofuels as a key element in the energy transition.
- Includes 19 countries and 12 international organizations.
- Facilitates development and deployment of sustainable biofuels.
- Creates a virtual marketplace for mapping demand and supply.
- Supports the adoption of international standards and regulations.
Significance for India
- Enhances India’s global position and fosters collaboration.
- Offers export opportunities for Indian industries.
- Accelerates existing biofuel programs, benefiting farmers and creating jobs.
- Seizes the opportunity in the growing global ethanol market.
Biomass Programs in India
- Ministry of Petroleum targets 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025.
- SATAT initiative aims to establish 5,000 BioCNG plants.
- GOBAR-dhan scheme promotes compressed biogas (CBG) production.
- Samarth Scheme encourages co-firing biomass pellets.
- Mandates one percent blending of Sustainable Aviation fuel with jet fuel by 2025.
Why In News
During the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic announcement by launching the Global Biofuel Alliance, emphasizing India’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. This initiative aims to foster international collaboration in the development and adoption of biofuels, setting a significant precedent for global environmental efforts and energy innovation.
MCQs about Fueling Progress: The Global Biofuels Alliance
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What technology is the Indian government actively promoting in the civil nuclear sector?
A. Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)
B. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
C. Nuclear Fusion Reactors
D. Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)
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What space technology has the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) transferred to the private sector?
A. Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)
B. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)
C. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
D. Chandrayaan-2 Mission
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What challenge is associated with privatizing the space sector?
A. Risk of nuclear accidents
B. Monopolization risk
C. Increased space exploration costs
D. Lack of technological innovation
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