India to develop roadmap post-20% ethanol blending target: Hardeep Singh Puri

For the first time, India is hosting the 7th G-STIC (Global Sustainable technological and Innovation Community) Conference, which is being coordinated by TERI and VITO with assistance from eight other independent, non-profit technological research institutes. Under the overarching theme of “Harmonizing Technology, Policy, and Business Pathways for Sustainable Future and Coexistence,” the conference will discuss issues.

Hardeep Singh Puri spoke during the Conference’s opening session about the crucial conundrum that democratically elected governments around the world must resolve: striking a balance between cost, availability, and sustainability in energy policy. He noted that India’s own energy consumption is expected to expand sharply from its current level of 5.4 million barrels per day to an estimated 7 million barrels per day by 2030, in tandem with the rise in global energy demand. With estimates showing that India alone will account for 25% of the rise in global energy demand over the next 20 years, this rising demand places India in a significant position to contribute to world energy consumption.

A highlight of the address was the substantial progress made in ethanol blending, which has surged from just 1.53% in 2013-14 to 16% today. This achievement has prompted the government to advance its blending target of 20% from 2030 to 2025, showcasing a proactive approach to energy sustainability. Shri Puri noted that discussions have already begun to establish a roadmap for sustainable energy solutions beyond the 20% blending target, indicating a forward-thinking strategy that anticipates future energy needs.

The Minister stressed the need for addressing the energy requirements of developing nations, particularly in the Global South, where many countries rely heavily on energy imports. He expressed confidence that the success of India’s ethanol initiatives could serve as a model for these regions, although he acknowledged that unlike Brazil, India lacks the luxury of abundant arable land for biofuel production. Nevertheless, he emphasized the potential for innovative biofuel strategies to alleviate import dependency while addressing local energy needs.