Rajasthan first State to implement biofuel policy

Rajasthan became first state in the country to implement National Policy on Biofuels unveiled by Union Government in May 2018. Its implementation was approved by high-power Biofuel Authority. It was also decided that dtate Government will release Biofuel Rules, 2018.

Key Facts

Under this policy, State Government will lay emphasis on increasing production of oilseeds and establish Centre for Excellence in Udaipur to promote research in fields of alternative fuels and energy resources. Biodiesel plant of capacity of eight tonnes per day already has been installed in State with financial assistance of Indian Railways. State government will give emphasis to promote marketing of biofuels and generate awareness about them. State Rural Livelihood Development Council will also encourage women’s self help groups (SHGs) to explore the scope for additional income through supply of biodiesel.

National Policy on Biofuels – 2018

The policy categorises of biofuels into first generation (1G), second generation (2G) and third generation (3G) to enable extension of appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under each category. It seeks to help farmers dispose of their surplus stock in economic manner and reduce country’s oil import dependence. It has expanded scope of raw material for ethanol production by allowing use of sugarcane juice, sugar containing materials like sweet sorghum, sugar beet, starch containing materials like corn, cassava, damaged food grains like broken rice, wheat, rotten potatoes, unfit for human consumption for ethanol production. It also encourages setting up of supply chain mechanisms for biodiesel production from non-edible oilseeds, used cooking oil, short gestation crops.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2018