PR No – 30
24th January, 2024
New Delhi
Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India advocates comprehensive exploration of biofuels and alternative fuels for unprecedented growth in energy and power sector
Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, emphasized the need for India to transition from being an importer to an exporter while citing that 85% of fuels equivalent to around 16 lakh crores, are imported into the country. Speaking at the Summit organized by PHDCCI on the Role of Bio Energy for Atmanirbhar Bharat in Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation at PHD House today, he talked about the issue of surplus of products such as broken rice and sugarcane, highlighting the need to utilize them in ethanol production to yield substantial benefits, reducing the government’s need to purchase these products at MSPs.
Emphasizing the vast potential of alternative fuels and energy sectors, he proposed addressing the issue of stubble burning by encouraging farmers to sell crop residues to companies for biofuel production. Given the economic disparity in the rural, agricultural, and tribal sectors where 65% of the population resides and contributes only 12% to GDP growth, addressing this imbalance through this can contribute to their upliftment, ultimately fostering overall economic growth.
Hon’ble minister further advocated for policy diversification towards the energy and power sector, particularly focusing on Sustainable Aviation fuel. He expressed optimism about the significant investment potential in BioAviation Fuel in India, aiming to build a 2 lakh crore economy in India.
Prioritizing the increase in ethanol production, Shri Gadkari suggested leveraging the potential of Northeastern India’s bamboo resources too for ethanol production. He also stressed the importance of flex engines, especially in drones, for enhanced environmental friendliness.
Shri Gadkari further emphasized the importance of exploring various alternative fuels, biofuels and electricity, due to their substantial potential. He highlighted their significant advantages, especially when compared to the demand factor and underscored the vast potency and growth potential inherent in these alternative energy sectors.
Shri Sanjeev Agrawal, President, PHDCCI while appericating the Government and the Hon’ble minister, said, apart from renewable energy, Mr. Gadkari ji is a proponent of remote connectivity. Under his supervision, over 70,000 kms of National Highways have been constructed in the last 7 years and 3,00,000 kms of new roads are being constructed currently. He is committed towards the development of qualitative, time-bound, cost-effective and sustainable world-class infrastructures in the country. The Government of India, under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has initiated numerous policies and programs to promote bioenergy in the country.
Recognizing the significance of bioenergy, our honourable Prime Minister took the lead during the G20 by announcing the Biofuel Alliance. The formation of the Global Biofuel Alliance was a priority during India’s G20 Presidency, aimed at fostering cooperation and intensifying the use of sustainable biofuels, especially in the transportation sector, Mr. Agrawal added.
Shri Hemant Jain, Senior Vice President, PHDCCI while appreciating the government and the minister, he commended him for his visionary approach and how it has given the sustainable bend to development. India is shifting towards more green and clean sources of energy, working towards adopting Green Hydrogen and Biofuels, envisaged to be the future of fuels, progressively replacing fossil fuels in the years to come to reduce emissions. He added, India is shifting towards more green and clean sources of energy and is working towards adopting Green Hydrogen and Biofuels which are envisaged to be the future of fuels and progressively replace fossil fuels in the years to come to reduce emissions.
Mr. Saket Dalmia, Immediate Former President, PHDCCI during his address discussed the practical challenges faced by the industry while onboarding biofuel energy and urged the minister for his support.
Dr. Venu Gopal Achanta, Director, CSIR – NPL, the Guest of Honor of the summit briefed about various energy technologies developed by CSIR. He highlighted that the pilot plant developed by the Indian Institute of Petroleum Dehradun for Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Spice Jet took a successful test flight.
Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Executive Director, PHDCCI deliberated on how Biofuels are considered a promising alternative for enabling this energy transition and can be used across industries, and in the transportation sector. It presents an excellent opportunity for Startups, MSMEs, research and educational institutions, and cooperates in oil and gas, steel, fertilizers, chemicals and renewable energy sectors to be part of India’s green energy transition and initiate bioenergy projects and integrate bioenergy in their studies, research and operations.
We, at PHDCCI will align our objectives with the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister and organize such important Summits which will help in becoming a catalyzer for energy transformation in the country. We look forward to the support of Central Government Ministries, State Government Departments and other important stakeholders to advocate the philosophy of collaborate-cum-calibrate approach of the industry and the Government in transforming challenges into opportunities.
Dr J P Gupta, Chair, Environment and Climate Change Committee highlighted that biofuels are the need of the hour for energy security and to promote employment and double the income of farmers which is the prime objective of our Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.
The Event was sponsored by Indian Oil, DCM Shriram, and Getsun Power and was supported by PHDCCI annual sponsors, DLF Ltd; Jindal Steel & Power; KLJ Group; Multani Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Marble City; MMG Group; Radico Khaitan Ltd; Uflex Ltd; Vestige; Eazy ERP Technologies; JK Tyre & Industries Ltd; Sagar Group of Industries; Superior Industries Limited; Samsung India Electronics; Oswal Greentech; Apeejay Stya Group; Blossom Kochhar Beauty Products Pvt Ltd; DCM Shriram; R E Rogers; Trident Group; Ajit Industries Pvt Ltd; Bhagwati Plastic and Pipes Industries; Central Coalfields Ltd; DD Pharmaceutical Ltd.; Hindware Sanitary; Jindal Steel; Modern Automobiles; P S BEDI & Co.
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Warm Regards,
Media Division
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry