About Bioethanol

• It is a renewable fuel made by fermenting biomass such as sugarcane, corn, or other plant materials; it is mainly used as a biofuel additive to petrol to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
• A Bio-refinery is an industrial facility that processes biomass into energy, biofuels, biochemicals, bioenergy/biopower, and other biomaterials.

About Polypropylene

• It is a synthetic resin built up by the polymerization of propylene.
• It is valued for being lightweight, durable, resistant to corrosion and moisture (waterproof), and recyclable.
• Application: It is  widely used in packaging, pipes, fiber and textiles, automotive parts, electrical and electronic appliances, Medical devices and consumer goods.

Bamboo Production in India

• Area and Diversity: India has the largest area under bamboo in the world, covering about 13.96 million hectares. 
• Species Richnes: In terms of species richness, it ranks second after China, with 136 species (125 indigenous and 11 exotic).
• Production: The country produces around 14.6 million tonnes of bamboo annually.
• Bamboo is lignocellulosic biomass (non-food, woody grass).
  • It contains cellulose and hemicellulose, which can be hydrolyzed to sugars, and then fermented into ethanol.
  • This makes it suitable for Second-Generation (2G) Bioethanol, since it does not compete with food crops.

Various Government Initiatives to Promote Biofuels

• National Policy on Biofuels (2018): The National Policy on Biofuels 2018, as amended in 2022, inter-alia advanced the target of 20% blending of Ethanol in petrol from 2030 to Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26.
  • The Primary objective is to reduce petroleum imports by promoting domestic production of biofuels and supporting cleaner energy alternatives.
  • The Policy allowed use of: Sugarcane Juice, Sugar Beet, Cassava, Damaged food grains, Rotten Potatoes, unfit for human consumption for ethanol production
• Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme: India has successfully achieved 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol in 2025, five years ahead of its original target set for 2030.
• Repurpose Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative: It is a project that plans to convert vegetable oils, animal fats or restaurant grease that has already been used in cooking into biodiesel for running diesel vehicles, or indeed any equipment that uses diesel.

Biofuel Classification: 1G to 4G

1. First-Generation (1G) Biofuels

• Feedstock: Edible food crops like sugarcane, corn, wheat, sugar beet, soybean oil, palm oil.
• Technology: Fermentation of sugars/starches (for ethanol) and transesterification of edible oils (for biodiesel).
• Advantages: Mature, commercially established technology; easy availability of raw material; proven blending in transport fuels.
• Limitations: “Food vs Fuel” conflict; threatens food security; high water/land use; not sustainable at scale.
  

2. Second-Generation (2G) Biofuels

• Feedstock: Non-edible biomass & crop residues (wheat straw, rice husk, bagasse), forest residues (Bamboo, Sawdust), jatropha seeds, non-edible oils.
• Technology: Conversion of lignocellulosic biomass (pretreatment → hydrolysis → fermentation/gasification); advanced biodiesel production.
• Advantages: Avoids food security issues; uses waste biomass; reduces stubble burning and pollution; more sustainable.
• Limitations: High production cost; technology still evolving; enzymes and pretreatment are expensive; lower energy efficiency.
  

3. Third-Generation (3G) Biofuels

• Feedstock: Algae (microalgae, macroalgae) and specially cultured microorganisms.
• Technology: Cultivation of algae → extraction of oils/carbohydrates → conversion to biodiesel, ethanol, or hydrogen.
  
• Advantages: Very high yield per hectare; no land/food competition; can absorb CO₂ and use wastewater; flexible products (biodiesel, ethanol, biohydrogen).
• Limitations: Still at R&D and pilot stage; costly infrastructure and maintenance; scalability challenges.

4. Fourth-Generation (4G) Biofuels

• Feedstock: Genetically engineered algae, crops, or microbes; synthetic biology; solar-based biofuels.
• Technology: Integrates carbon capture and storage (CCS) with bio-refineries; direct conversion of CO₂ into fuels using engineered systems.
• Advantages: Potentially carbon-neutral or carbon-negative; highest sustainability; addresses climate change directly.
• Limitations: Highly futuristic; requires advanced biotechnology and huge investments; still experimental.

India’s Global Energy Standing

• Biofuels: 3rd largest producer globally.
• LNG: 4th largest terminal capacity in the world.
• Refining Capacity: 4th largest globally.
• Exports: 7th largest exporter of refined petroleum products.