Economic development in India has raised millions of
people out of poverty and brought about the
modernization of society. Economic ambition though has
not been reached without costs. India has become more
reliant of imports of energy which affects energy security.
Pollution from industry, transport and traditional cook
stoves affects air quality and is increasing emissions of
greenhouse gases and contributing to climate change. .
India initiated bio-fuel production nearly a decade ago to
reduce its dependence on imported oil and thus improve
energy security and is now one of the largest producers of
Jatropha oil. The country began 5% ethanol blending (E5)
pilot program in 2001 and formulated the National
Mission on Biodiesel in 2003 to achieve 20% biodiesel
blends by 2011–2012 (Government of India, 2002, 2003).
Similar to many countries around the world, India's
biofuel programs experienced setbacks, primarily because
of supply shortages and global concerns over food
security. India’s National Policy on Biofuels in 2009
proposed a non-mandatory target of a 20% blend for both
biodiesel and ethanol by 2017, and outlines a broad
strategy for the biofuels program and policy measures to
be considered to support the program.
The aim of the paper is to review the potential for
biofuels to off-set the use of fossil fuels and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions in India. The recent historic use
of biofuels in the context of Government policy
developments will be presented. Example materials
(crops, wastes, residues) that can be used for biofuels will
be reviewed taking a systems approach through whole
lifecycle assessment. Case studies highlighting failure
and successes with biofuel utilization will be presented as
examples of the challenges and opportunities for the use
of biofuels in India, with suggestions made on the role of
biofuels in the future
