Inaugurating the India BioEnergy and Tech Expo, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, discussed the air pollution issues faced by several cities in the country, as well as their health and economic impact. “40% of Delhi’s air pollution is contributed by vehicle emissions. Alternative fuels i.e. Biofuel, are the only solution to fight this big issue,” the Minister said.
He said that the pillar of our biofuel policy is centred around three missions: crude oil substitution, achieving a pollution-free environment, and using indigenous energy to meet domestic requirements.
“Diversion of agriculture towards energy and power generation is the need of the hour. Compared to fossil fuel, biofuel is a much cheaper option”, the Minister said.
He reiterated that the country should consider exporting ethanol as its surplus. “We will meet to the Petroleum and Finance Ministers and request for that. The production of ethanol is surplus, and it’s being produced from 70 per cent of foodgrains, which is also surplus”.
The Minister spoke about SAF production in India, “We want India to lead in the production of SAF. It is a big challenge. But we will achieve it.”
Speaking about the social media campaign against E20 and the ethanol programme, the Minister said that, “Some people are taking to social media to write against green fuel. It’s a part of a paid campaign by vested interests. But people are cautious and intelligent, and they know the truth. We will increase the life expectancy of people in Delhi by 10 years, and that’s how biofuel is important”.
He urged the industry to keep up the good work of producing the alternative fuel. “We are right now the importer of energy, but with industry’s help, we will become the exporter of energy and that would be a historical achievement”.
He cited the decision to permit ethanol production from corn (maize) as a success story. This move, he said, increased the market price for corn from Rs 1,200 per quintal to Rs 2,800 per quintal, significantly boosting farmers’ incomes.
