The IFGE India Bio-Energy & Tech Expo, held at the Amaltas Hall of the India International Convention & Expo Centre in Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, served as a dynamic platform for industry leaders, government officials, and experts to discuss the future of bioenergy in India. The event, titled “Unleashing Bioenergy Potential in India,” saw participation from prominent figures, including Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, President of the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE), and Shri Anna Sahab M K Patil, Chairman of IFGE.
During the event, the Hon’ble Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas emphasized the transformative role of bioenergy in reducing India’s dependence on fossil fuels. He highlighted how bioenergy not only serves as a sustainable energy source but also offers new avenues for income generation in rural areas. The conference underscored the importance of positioning India as a global leader in bioenergy by unlocking the potential of biomass and other sustainable energy resources.
A significant focus of the discussions was on the government’s initiatives to promote ethanol blending, biodiesel, compressed biogas (CBG), and other biofuels. The Minister pointed out the success of India’s ethanol blending program, which has not only reduced the country’s import dependency but also saved substantial amounts of foreign exchange. The government’s ambitious target of achieving 20% ethanol blending by 2025 is a testament to its commitment to fostering a cleaner and more self-reliant energy future.
The conference also shed light on the role of advanced biofuels projects supported by the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, which aims to create a sustainable ethanol production ecosystem. The establishment of 2G refineries in Panipat and Numaligarh, along with the use of alternative feedstocks like maize and damaged rice, were highlighted as key steps towards ensuring feedstock security and boosting ethanol production. The event concluded with a call for continued innovation and collaboration to realize India’s bioenergy potential.
