TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: Recently, Cabinet has approved Amendment in “Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana” for providing financial support to Advanced Biofuel Projects using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstock
EXPLANATION:
- To keep pace with the latest developments in the field of biofuels and to attract more investment, the Union Cabinet approved the modified Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana.
Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana.
- The modified scheme extends timeline for implementation of scheme by Five (5) year i.e. till 2028-29.
- It includes advanced biofuels produced from lignocellulosic feedstocks i.e. agricultural and forestry residues, industrial waste, synthesis (syn) gas, algae etc. in its scope.
- “Bolt on” plants & “Brownfield projects” would also now be eligible to leverage their experience and improve their viability.
- To promote multiple technologies and multiple feedstocks, preference would now be given to project proposals with new technologies and innovations in the sector.
- The scheme aims to provide remunerative income to farmers for their agriculture residue, address environmental pollution, create local employment opportunities, and contribute to India’s energy security and self-reliance.
- It also supports the development of advanced biofuel technologies and promotes the Make in India Mission.
- It also helps in achieving India’s ambitious target for net-zero GHG emissions by 2070.
- The Government of India’s commitment to promoting advanced biofuels through the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana reflects its dedication to a sustainable and self-reliant energy sector.
Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme and Blending targets
- The Government has been promoting blending of ethanol in petrol under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme wherein Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) sell petrol blended with ethanol.
- Under EBP Programme, the blending of ethanol with petrol increased from 38 crore litres in Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2013-14 to more than 500 crore litres in ESY 2022-23 with corresponding increase in blending percentage from 1.53% to 12.06%.
- The blending percentage has touched 15.83% in the month of July, 2024 and cumulative blending percentage has crossed 13% in the ongoing ESY 2023-24.
- OMCs are on course to achieve the 20% blending target by the end of ESY 2025-26.
- It is estimated that over 1100 crore litres of ethanol will be required during ESY 2025-26 to achieve 20% blending for which 1750 crore litres of ethanol distillation capacity needs to be installed to meet the blending requirement and for other uses (potable, chemical, pharmaceutical etc.).
- To meet the ethanol blending targets, the Government is also focusing on alternate sources like 2nd Generation (2G) Ethanol (Advanced biofuels).
- Surplus biomass /agricultural waste which has cellulosic and lignocellulosic content, industrial waste etc. can be converted to ethanol using advanced biofuel technology.
- To encourage 2G ethanol capacity in the country and attract investment in this sector, “Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana” was notified in 2019 to provide financial assistance to 2G Bio-ethanol projects.
- Under the scheme, the first 2G Ethanol Project set up by Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Panipat, Haryana.
- The other 2G commercial projects being set up by BPCL, HPCL and NRL at Bargarh (Odisha), Bathinda (Punjab) and Numaligarh (Assam) respectively, are also nearing completion.