Global Biofuel Alliance: Fuel for a sustainable future

By Vivek Saini 

To promote biofuel use and broaden bioenergy reach, the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) was officially launched on September 9, 2023, by 9 heads of state, including India- the G20 Chair. Founding members include Brazil, the United States, and India, which collectively account for approximately 85% of global ethanol production and 81% of consumption. 

The GBA aims to collaborate with and complement existing regional and global efforts in the fields of bioenergy, bioeconomy, and energy transition, including initiatives such as the Clean Energy Ministerial Biofuture Platform, Mission Innovation Bioenergy initiatives, and the Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP).

What is Biofuel? 

In contrast to other renewable energy sources, biomass may be directly transformed into liquid fuels, or “biofuels,” to assist meet the need for transportation fuel. Ethanol and biodiesel, which both belong to the first generation of biofuel technology, are the two most popular types of biofuels now in use. A renewable fuel known as ethanol (CH3CH2OH) can be produced from diverse plant resources generally referred to as “biomass.” Alcohol known as ethanol is added to petrol to boost octane and reduce pollutants that contribute to smog, such as carbon monoxide.

The most popular ethanol mixture, E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline), is permitted for use in the majority of conventional gasoline-powered cars up to E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline). Some automobiles, known as flexible fuel vehicles, are made to run on E85, an alternative fuel with a substantially greater ethanol percentage than ordinary petrol (51% to 83% ethanol, depending on area and season). 

Global Biofuels Alliance membership

The “Global Biofuels Alliance,” officially established by India, comprises 19 nations and 12 international organizations. Among its supporters are G20 member countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, Italy, South Africa, and the United States. Additionally, four G20 Invitee nations endorsing the GBA are Bangladesh, Singapore, Mauritius, and the UAE. Eight non-G20 countries extending their support include Iceland, Kenya, Guyana, Paraguay, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Finland. International organizations participating in this initiative encompass the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, World Economic Forum, World LPG Organization, International Energy Agency, International Energy Forum, International Renewable Energy Agency, and World Biogas Association.

During the event held in conjunction with the “G20 Leaders’ Summit,” India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged G20 nations to join the initiative and promote global ethanol blending standards of 20% with petrol. Notable leaders present at the event included US President Joe Biden, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. South Africa, Argentina, Mauritius, and the UAE are additional founding members, while Singapore and Canada have registered as observer nations.

According to PM Modi, alliance members have the potential to establish a new blending mix that ensures a reliable energy supply and contributes to climate security, benefiting people worldwide. He also acknowledged the proactive steps taken by developed nations in fulfilling their commitment of $100 billion in climate funding, which has been well-received by all “Global South” nations, including India.

‘Global Biofuels Alliance’ is the second green energy effort led by India after ‘International Solar Alliance’ (ISA) which was established by France and India to promote solar energy in underdeveloped nations. The French President and Indian Prime Minister introduced it during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris in November 2015.

G20 nations eyeing $500 billion within 3 years 

IBA (Indian Biogas Association) estimates that potential from the biofuel alliance might be worth USD 500 billion to G20 nations over the next three years. For the G20 nations and the environment, the biofuel alliance may be a win-win situation.

The G20 committed its members to increasing the proportion of renewable energy in their energy mix in a voluntary action plan on renewable energy that was adopted in 2016. 

The amount of renewable energy in India’s entire energy mix has increased substantially, and in the last six years, the country has grown at a CAGR of over 22%.

Over the past ten years, India has 20-fold increased its use of solar energy. With a CAGR of about 38% and 30%, respectively, solar and wind energy grew over this time.

According to the report, the biofuel industry will need to be developed with an initial investment of USD 100 billion, or $5 billion for each of the G20 members over the course of the following three years. Private investments and the generation of biofuels, particularly biogas, will benefit from this anchor investment’s additional multiplier benefits. It claimed that the success of this biofuel alliance would depend on establishing a supportive regulatory climate in the G20 nations and sharing technology breakthroughs.

Flex fuel vehicles 

India plans to deploy Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), which can run on a variety of fuel blends, from zero to E85 (an ethanol-petrol blend containing 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent petrol). This move is inspired by Brazil’s success. This action will cut emissions tremendously and help India save a lot on its import costs for crude oil. India will overtake Brazil, which currently blends ethanol at a rate of 27%, as the second-highest country in the world once it reaches its 20 percent ethanol mix objective.

How will India benefit from the Alliance?

The GBA is expected to bring about positive outcomes for India like enhancing bioenergy access in emerging economies and fostering new business prospects. It will elevate India’s international standing and will foster collaboration opportunities. It is expected to open doors for Indian industries to export technology and equipment and also contribute to India’s low-carbon energy objectives and decrease import reliance.

India’s GBA is evidence of the nation’s unwavering dedication to sustainability and a more environmentally friendly future. India is taking significant measures to lessen its carbon footprint, improve its energy security, and change its transport industry by encouraging collaboration, fostering knowledge sharing, and adopting innovative solutions.

References:

1. https://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/biofuel-basics
2. https://www.energy.gov/eere/bioenergy/bioenergy-basics
3. http://www.afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/flexible_fuel.html
4. https://m.tribuneindia.com/news/india/biofuel-alliance-to-drive-green-mission-542885
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Solar_Alliance
6. https://m.economictimes.com/industry/renewables/biofuel-alliance-can-generate-opportunities-worth-500-bn-in-next-3-yrs-indian-biogas-association/amp_articleshow/103548967.cms
7. Image 1 source: https://twitter.com/ignca_delhi/status/1699062881969676341?t=MS1qJHKQlyIAFiEAs3Tuog&s=19 
8. Image 2 source: https://twitter.com/SourabhBakshi_/status/1700468945797743035?t=JjkRiCybwNIxFUE51CwvKQ&s=19