Biomass Energy Sources
Madhurjya Saikia; Pranjal Sarmah; Partha P Borthakur
Abstract
Biodiesel, derived from biomass, offers significant environmental advantages by reducing CO2 and CO emissions and promoting energy self-sufficiency. Currently, biodiesel remains limited to DG sets used by a small number of farmers in India, with minimal adoption in the transportation sector. Numerous ...
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Biodiesel, derived from biomass, offers significant environmental advantages by reducing CO2 and CO emissions and promoting energy self-sufficiency. Currently, biodiesel remains limited to DG sets used by a small number of farmers in India, with minimal adoption in the transportation sector. Numerous challenges impede biodiesel's acceptance. This research focuses on identifying challenges connected to India's biofuel policy, supply chain inefficiencies, and vehicle technology. In terms of cultivation, land management, and the delivery of high yielding varieties to farmers, biofuel policies have failed to encourage indigenous feedstock. Instead, the Biofuel Policy 2022 encourages the imported palm oil sterain. Inconsistencies in the supply chain caused by policies impair the cost effectiveness of biodiesel. Diesel engines in automobiles have compatibility concerns owing to corrosiveness and high fuel consumption due to the fuel's low calorific value. Furthermore, biodiesel causes substantial NOx emissions. This study offers policy-level solutions, such as encouraging the production of domestic feedstocks through efficient management of wastelands. In this approach, farmers may receive high yielding seeds at a reduced cost until the industry is self-sufficient. In addition, Policy Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme can be given to biodiesel producers. A policy like ethanol blending can also be implemented. The biodiesel supply chain, like that of Germany, the United States, Malaysia, and Indonesia, must be optimized. For the technological challenges in diesel engines, the government must use policy intervention, to incorporate engine components suitable for biodiesel, as well as upgrade diesel engines by calibrating electronic control units and with exhaust gas recirculation systems.
Biomass Energy Sources
Madhurjya Saikia; Pranjal Sarmah; Rupam Deka; Dipankar Das
Abstract
India has experienced rapid industrialization, propelling it to be the world's 3rd largest energy consumer. Among the sectors driving this energy consumption, the transportation industry plays a significant role. In the fiscal year 2022-23, India witnessed a surge in petroleum consumption, reaching a ...
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India has experienced rapid industrialization, propelling it to be the world's 3rd largest energy consumer. Among the sectors driving this energy consumption, the transportation industry plays a significant role. In the fiscal year 2022-23, India witnessed a surge in petroleum consumption, reaching a record high of 222.3 million tonnes. However, the country's crude oil production remained at 29.2 million tonnes during the same period, leading to a substantial reliance on imports. In fact, India imported crude oil of 232.4 million tonnes in 2022-23, amounting to a cost of approximately USD 158.3 billion. To curtail its dependence on imports, the Indian government has promoted ethanol as a renewable fuel alternative for several years. Although policies supporting the Ethanol Blended Program have been in place since 2003, they struggled to meet their targets until the introduction of the National Biofuel Policy in 2018. The policy incorporated several modifications and aimed to address the shortcomings of previous efforts. Presently, ethanol blending with petrol is being offered at a maximum concentration of 10% across the country, with the ultimate goal of completely replacing petrol with ethanol. This study analyzes India's ethanol blending program, evaluating policy impacts on distribution and production. It identifies challenges in feedstock availability, the role of oil marketing companies (OMCs), and vehicular technology hindrances. Proposed solutions include utilizing alternative feedstocks, supported by PLI schemes. OMCs should address logistical issues and reduce transportation costs by promoting local ethanol production. Optimizing petrol engines and expediting the introduction of flex engines are recommended.