Date : 28/09/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 3 – Environment and Ecology

Keywords – Internal combustion engine (ICE), India's Biofuel Strategy, greenhouse gas (GHG)

Context –

In recent years, the global push for decarbonization and reducing greenhouse gas emissions has led to significant debates about the most effective strategies for achieving these goals. One of the focal points of this discussion has been the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. In particular, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has often been viewed as a dominant force in the pursuit of a greener transportation sector. However, it is crucial to recognize that no decarbonization strategy comes without its challenges and trade-offs.

What are biofuels?

Biofuels encompass a range of hydrocarbon fuels derived from organic matter, whether living or once living, within a relatively short time frame, typically days, weeks, or months. These biofuels can exist in three primary states:

1. Solid Biofuels: This category includes materials such as wood, dried plant matter, and manure. These solid biofuels have the potential to replace or complement traditional fossil fuels like coal and wood for various applications, including heating and electricity generation.
2. Liquid Biofuels: Liquid biofuels comprise substances like bioethanol and biodiesel. Bioethanol is typically made from crops such as sugarcane or corn and can be blended with gasoline or used as a standalone fuel for transportation. Biodiesel, on the other hand, is derived from vegetable oils or animal fats and can be used as an alternative to diesel fuel.
3. Gaseous Biofuels: Biogas is a notable example of gaseous biofuels. It is generated through the anaerobic digestion of organic materials like sewage, agricultural waste, and food scraps. Biogas can replace or supplement natural gas for heating and electricity production.

Importance of Biofuels

Biofuels serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, finding applications in various sectors, including transportation, stationary power generation, and portable devices. These fuels offer several compelling reasons for their adoption:

1. Economic Considerations: As the cost of conventional fossil fuels like oil continues to rise, biofuels provide a cost-effective and potentially more stable energy source.
2. Environmental Benefits: Biofuels contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making them a critical part of efforts to combat climate change. They offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels, helping to mitigate the impact of global warming.
3. Agricultural Opportunities: The cultivation of crops for biofuel production can benefit farmers by providing additional income streams. It diversifies the agricultural sector and reduces dependence on traditional crop markets.

Different Categories of Biofuels:

Biofuels in India:

• In the Indian context, biofuels are largely represented by first-generation (1G) ethanol, primarily sourced from food crops.
• India has set a policy goal of achieving a 20% ethanol blending ratio with petrol (E20) by 2025-26, and this target is anticipated to rely heavily on 1G ethanol derived from crops like sugarcane and food grains.
• On the other hand, second-generation (2G) ethanol, produced from agricultural waste and residues, faces substantial challenges that limit its potential to significantly contribute to meeting the blending target. These challenges pertain to issues related to the feedstock supply chain and the scale-up of production.

Biofuels as a Trade-Off-Free Decarbonization Option

Biofuels have long been in the shadow of electric vehicles, constantly requiring justification for their relevance. However, today's discussions emphasize the recognition that no decarbonization strategy is entirely trade-off-free. The transition to EVs, while promising in terms of reduced emissions, comes with substantial challenges and capital-intensive requirements. Existing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and their infrastructure must be replaced entirely, which is not only costly but also resource-intensive. Moreover, the production of EV batteries relies on critical minerals, often imported, which raises environmental concerns related to mining practices. In contrast, biofuels offer a distinct advantage—they can be seamlessly integrated into existing ICE engines and infrastructure with minimal modifications, depending on the blending rates. Furthermore, biofuels can contribute to import independence, reducing the reliance on foreign resources.

However, it is essential to recognize that the term "biofuel" encompasses both sustainable and unsustainable fuels, making it crucial to distinguish between the two. To drive effective decarbonization action, a clear understanding of these differences is paramount.

Challenges in India's Biofuel Strategy

The implications of growing sugarcane for ethanol production include groundwater depletion and potential food security concerns. While the former is well-documented, the latter may be less obvious due to India's current surplus food production. However, several factors make diverting surplus produce towards energy or dedicating land to energy crops an unsustainable strategy.

First, India's crop yields have plateaued, and the impacts of global warming are expected to reduce yields further. This means that the same arable land will need to support a growing population with diminishing agricultural output. Thus, India's strategy to meet blending targets should not rely on surplus crop production.

Second, a recent study projected a significant increase in groundwater depletion rates due to rising temperatures and increased crop water requirements. With limited resources such as groundwater and arable land, prioritizing food production over fuel becomes imperative.

Third, the agriculture sector is a major contributor to direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Increasing GHG emissions from agriculture for the sake of motor fuel production, with the intention of reducing emissions in the transport sector, creates an unnecessary balancing act that yields little net benefit.

Way forward

• The Energy Transitions Commission's report, titled 'Bioresources within a Net-Zero Emissions Economy,' puts forth a recommendation emphasizing the prioritization of biomass utilization in sectors that lack viable low-carbon alternatives. Specifically, long-haul aviation and road freight segments, where complete electrification may face longer timelines, stand out as sectors where biomass could play a crucial role. In contrast, the report suggests that the use of biomass in petrol vehicles (the current focus of ethanol blending) may not be as effective.
• The International Energy Agency underscores the significance of sustainable biofuel production as a key driver in achieving global net-zero emissions by 2050. It highlights the need for a threefold increase in sustainable biofuel production by 2030, particularly for modes of transportation with limited alternative mitigation options. While first-generation (1G) ethanol is considered unlikely to meet these targets, second-generation (2G) ethanol emerges as a potential sustainable fuel, especially if production is decentralized. Decentralization, however, may present challenges in achieving economies of scale due to the localized nature of crop residue utilization.
• Balancing the benefits of economies of scale with the energy requirements and costs associated with biomass collection and transportation over extensive distances poses a significant challenge. This is where the Global Biofuels Alliance can play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and technological advancements, particularly in the development of efficient biomass supply chains and smaller-scale decentralized biofuel production units.

Conclusion

As the world grapples with the imperative to decarbonize and combat climate change, biofuels emerge as a critical component of the solution, especially in regions like India. While electric vehicles have garnered significant attention, biofuels offer a viable alternative with their ability to integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructure and reduce dependence on imported resources. However, the distinction between sustainable and unsustainable biofuels is paramount, and policies must prioritize the former to maximize environmental benefits.

India's journey towards biofuel adoption faces unique challenges, including concerns about food security, groundwater depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. Sustainable biofuels, particularly 2G ethanol produced in a decentralized manner, present promising solutions to these challenges. The establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance underscores India's commitment to sustainable biofuel development and global climate action.

In the quest for a decarbonized future, it is essential to recognize that no single solution is without trade-offs. Therefore, a comprehensive strategy that considers the nuances of each decarbonization option is vital to achieving meaningful progress in combating climate change while safeguarding essential resources like food and water.

Source – TOI