March 11, 2023

On the 75th Indian Independence Day, our Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi announced that we all shall transform India into an independent nation by 2047. This goal can be achieved by one of the multiple initiatives taken – increasing second-generation bioethanol production and usage. The nation has set an aim of blending 20% of ethanol with crude oil which will reduce the importing of crude oil in the next 2-5 years. The PM on August 10, World Biofuel Day – addressed the nation and said that in the last 8 years, India has saved almost Rs.50,000 crore in FOREX outflows by blending ethanol with petrol and contributed to the country with the very first 2G Ethanol plant in Haryana. Bioethanol or 2G Ethanol is a reliable source of energy, actually renewable energy that is produced from biomass. It not only helps in crude oil production, but also significantly reduces CO2 emission, and reduces agricultural stubble helping farmers and eliminating pollution significantly. One of the most valuable sources apart from sugarcane for bioethanol production is the plants grown on lands that are unsupportive for agricultural activities. Plants such as miscanthus, switchgrass, etc. are used for the same purpose. This way, it doesn’t demand the farmers for cultivable lands only to use for ethanol production but also makes use of other lands that are not used for cultivation too. This is just the beginning of the story. As a part of India, we are definitely going to see the highs of the use of 2G ethanol in multiple industries which will greatly contribute to India’s economy at the same time positively contribute to the environment.