Aug 02, 2024
GLOBAL BIOFUELS ALLIANCE : 24 COUNTRIES
The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) has expanded its membership to 24 countries and 12 international organizations, showcasing significant global support and ongoing growth. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 9, 2023, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, GBA unites key biofuel consumers and producers worldwide.
Key Details of GBA:
• Launch: Initiated by leaders from the USA, Brazil, Italy, Argentina, Singapore, Bangladesh, Mauritius, and UAE.
• Membership: Now includes 24 member countries and 12 international organizations.
• Purpose: A multi-stakeholder alliance aimed at capacity building, technical support, policy sharing, technology advancements, and the implementation of international standards in the biofuels sector.
• Initiatives: Includes Biofuels Workshop series and Biofuels Country Landscapes (Policy Framework).
Achievements and Representation:
• Meetings: Three Temporary Executive Committee (TEC) meetings held to define immediate GBA initiatives.
• Global Presence: Represented at major international forums such as COP28, World Economic Forum, India Energy Week 2024, World Biogas Summit 2024, Energy Transitions Working Group under G20, and International Forum on Sustainable Biofuels under the Italian G7 Presidency.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):
• Definition: SAF is a biofuel used to power aircraft that has similar properties to conventional jet fuel but with a smaller carbon footprint.
• Importance: SAF is crucial for reducing aviation’s environmental impact, contributing significantly to the industry’s decarbonization efforts.
• Production: SAF can be produced from various feedstocks, including waste oils, agricultural residues, and non-food crops.
• Benefits: Using SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.
• Challenges: The main challenges include scaling up production, reducing costs, and ensuring a consistent supply of sustainable feedstocks.
India’s Role:
• Opportunities: GBA enhances opportunities for Indian industries, positioning India as a knowledge base and production hub for biofuels including ethanol, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and Compressed Bio Gas (CBG).
• Global Elevation: Active participation in GBA helps elevate India’s status in the global biofuels sector.
SRIRAM’s
