Indian Standards on Biofuel to Aid GBA’s Clean Energy Goals

Source: The post is based on the article “Indian Standards on Biofuel to Aid GBA’s Clean Energy Goals”  published in PIB on 26th September 2023

What is the News?

India’s national standards body, The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released standards on Biofuels.

What is the purpose behind BIS releasing standards for different products?

BIS operates a Product Certification scheme for ensuring compliance to Indian Standards. 

Presence of BIS standard mark (popularly known as ISI mark) on a product indicates conformity to the relevant Indian Standard. 

Before granting license to any manufacturer, BIS ascertains the availability of required infrastructure and capability of the manufacturer to produce and test the product conforming to the relevant Indian Standard on a continuous basis.

The BIS certification scheme is voluntary in nature.However for a number of products, compliance to Indian Standards made mandatory by the Central Government under various statutes in public interest.

What are the standards released by BIS on biofuels?

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released nine standards on biofuels to aid stakeholders including manufacturers, traders, and other entities dealing with biofuel or related matters.

These standards related to use as blending components in motor gasoline, automotive fuels, aviation turbine fuel and Positive Ignition Engine Powered Vehicles – Specification.

These new standards for Biofuel are in line with the objectives of Global Biofuel Alliance(GBA).

Note: BIS has also been working on a green diesel standard.The green diesel is derived from 2G feedstock including agro-residues like rice & wheat straw, cane trash, corn cobs & stover, cotton stalk, bagasse, Empty Fruit bunches, etc.

What are the steps taken by the government to promote use of ethanol?

The global ethanol market was valued at $99 billion USD in 2022, with an expected annual growth rate of 5% by 2032, presenting opportunities for Indian industries, job creation, and economic development.

Currently, India heavily relies on fossil fuels for transportation, resulting in substantial petroleum imports. Ethanol blending can lead to significant cost savings.

Indian Oil Manufacturing Companies (OMCs) are expanding ethanol production, and Indian vehicle manufacturers are developing ethanol-compatible engines.

The government has introduced an interest subvention scheme to promote ethanol production using molasses and grain-based distilleries.

Flex fuel vehicles, capable of using up to 85% ethanol are expected to enter the Indian market, following examples from the USA and Brazil.