GLOBAL BIOFUEL ALLIANCE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Eco)

Context: The Prime Minister of India along with the leaders of 9 other countries, launched the Global Biofuel Alliance recently, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

Global Biofuel Alliance

• About: It is an initiative by India as the G20 Chair. The Alliance intends to expedite the global uptake of biofuels through facilitating technology advancements, intensifying utilization of sustainable biofuels, shaping robust standard setting and certification through the participation of a wide spectrum of stakeholders.
• Aim: To serve as a catalytic platform, fostering global collaboration for the advancement and widespread adoption of biofuels.
• Function: The alliance will also act as a central repository of knowledge and an expert hub.
• Countries involved: India, Singapore, Bangladesh, Italy, USA, Brazil, Argentina, Mauritius and UAE

  Biofuels and Types

  • About: Any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from an organic matter(living or once living material) in a short period of time (days, weeks, or even months) is considered a biofuel.
  • Examples: Ethanol, biodiesel and biogas.
  • Types: 1st,2nd , 3rd and 4th Generation of biofuel depending upon the their source of origin and production process.
  • Steps taken in India for biofuels: National Biofuel Policy (2018), Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana (2019), GOBAR-DHAN (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) scheme,(2018) etc.