BIO FUELS
Science
Biofuels are hydrocarbon fuels produced from organic matter in a short time span through biological carbon fixation. Unlike fossil fuels, their source biomass is renewable and changes between generations.
Classification Based on Generation:
1. First Generation Biofuels:
- Derived directly from food crops such as sugarcane, wheat, maize (for ethanol) and oilseeds (for biodiesel).
- Produced through conventional fermentation and transesterification methods.
- Lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions when full life-cycle is considered.
- Diverts food grains from food markets to energy markets, impacting food security.
- Intensifies food vs fuel debate.
2. Second Generation Biofuels:
- Produced from non-food biomass and waste.
- Feedstock includes agricultural residues, wood, grasses, non-edible oilseeds, organic waste.
- Example: Jatropha.
- Can be grown on marginal lands unsuitable for food crops.
- Addresses food security concerns of first generation biofuels.
- Technologically complex and cost-intensive.
3. Third Generation Biofuels:
- Derived from specially engineered energy crops, mainly algae.
- Algae biomass converted into fuels such as diesel, petrol, jet fuel.
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- High energy yield per acre.
- Can grow on non-arable land and wastewater.
- Challenges include high water, nutrient, fertilizer requirement and high costs.
Classification Based on Type:
Bioethanol:
- Produced from fermentation of carbohydrates and cellulosic materials.
- Used as blending agent to increase octane number.
Biodiesel:
- Methyl esters of fatty acids.
- Produced via transesterification of plant and animal oils.
- Can be used directly in engines.
Biogas:
- Methane-rich gas from anaerobic digestion of organic waste.
- Produced from biodegradable waste and energy crops.
- Used for cooking, electricity and bio-CNG.
Significance of Biofuels in India:
- Enhances energy security.
- Environment-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
- Utilization of agricultural waste.
- Reduces stubble burning.
- Biogas generation from sewage treatment plants.
- Employment generation.
- Additional income to farmers.
- Reduces import dependency.
National Policy on Biofuels (2018):
Objectives:
- Promote biofuels to reduce fossil fuel imports.
- Boost farmer income.
- Promote clean energy.
Classification:
- Basic Biofuels: 1G ethanol and biodiesel.
- Advanced Biofuels: 2G ethanol, MSW to fuels, 3G biofuels, bio-CNG.
Key Provisions:
- Use of damaged food grains, sugarcane juice, rotten potatoes.
- Use of surplus food grains with NBCC approval.
- Viability Gap Funding of Rs 5000 crore for 2G bio-refineries.
- Higher procurement price for advanced biofuels.
Benefits:
- Forex savings.
- Reduction in CO2 emissions.
- Health benefits via RUCO.
- MSW management.
- Rural infrastructure development.
- Employment generation.
Recent Initiatives:
Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana (2019):
- Supports commercial 2G ethanol projects.
- Encourages R&D.
Ethanol Blending Programme:
- Target: 20% ethanol blending by 2030.
- GST reduced from 18% to 5%.
GOBAR-DHAN Scheme (2018):
- Converts cattle dung and organic waste into biogas and bio-CNG.
- Launched under SBM-Gramin.
RUCO Initiative:
- Launched by FSSAI.
- Converts used cooking oil into biodiesel.
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Subject: Science
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