Kamal Yadav
Within the next 5 years, the Indian aviation industry plans to use 20% biofuel derived from stubble.
The aviation sector in India is about to undergo a radical change. The nation intends to increase the percentage of biofuels derived from agricultural stubble in aviation fuel to 20% by 2029. This audacious goal is a component of India’s larger pledge to promote sustainability and lower carbon emissions. Utilizing biofuels in aviation has several advantages, both economically and environmentally, and is an essential step in the direction of a more environmentally friendly future of indian aviation.
There is increasing pressure on the indian aviation to lower its carbon footprint as the world’s air traffic grows. Fossil fuels are the source of traditional jet fuels, which have a major impact on greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the switch to biofuels is essential to the long-term survival of the sector and goes beyond simple innovation.
What Nitin Gadkari Said
In the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized that 20% of bio-aviation fuel will be used by India’s aviation sector over the next five years.
Gadkari stated in a reply to the Rajya Sabha that “within five years our aviation industry will use 20 per cent of bio-aviation fuel, sustainable aviation fuel and that is to be starting it from parali (Stubble) and the farmer will get the rate of Rs 2500 per ton for the same.”
The minister also emphasized how the transportation ministry is now building roads with bio-bitumen, which is assisting India in lowering its imports of bitumen. Paved roads’ surfaces are bound together using a bio-based binder called bio-bitumen, which is produced from renewable resources like agricultural stubble.
“We have the biggest road network in the world; ninety percent of our roads are covered with bitumen. Bitumen consumption in 2023–2024 was 88 lakh tons, and in 2024–2025, it is anticipated to reach 100 lakh tons. We must import between Rs 25,000 and Rs 30,000 crore of bitumen annually, or 50% of the total.
The minister emphasized that bio bitumen has been created from stubble by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) in New Delhi in partnership with the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) in Dehradun. According to the minister, farmers who have made contributions to the energy industry have also become “Urja Daata.”
The minister said, “Our farmers are now not only Anna Daata, but also Urja daata, Bitumen data, and not only Bitumen daata, but also Hawa Indhan daata (Air Fuel) for us.”
Biofuels’ Potential
Fossil fuels can be replaced by biofuels, which are made from organic sources and are sustainable and renewable. Agricultural stubble is one of the most potential sources of biofuels in India. For farmers, stumps—the remaining stalks and straw left over after harvesting crops—have always presented difficulties. It is typically burned in the fields, which greatly pollutes the air. But India can solve this environmental problem and give aviation a sustainable fuel source by turning stubble into biofuel.
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How Stubble Is Used to Make Biofuels
There are various procedures involved in turning stubble into biofuel. Initially, stubble is gathered and sent to bio-refineries. To create bioethanol and biodiesel, it passes through a number of chemical reactions there, such as transesterification and fermentation. Then, by blending these biofuels with regular jet fuel, a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that satisfies industry requirements can be produced.
Policies and Initiatives
The usage of biofuels has been actively promoted by the Indian government. Increased production and usage of biofuels in a variety of industries, including aviation, is the goal of policies like the National Biofuel Policy. Furthermore, farmers and businesses engaged in the production of biofuels are receiving subsidies and incentives. These policies aim to make the switch financially feasible and to promote infrastructure investment in the biofuel sector.
Farmers’ Financial Gains
The financial gain that stubble harvesting for biofuel offers to farmers is one of its main benefits. Farmers can generate extra income by selling their stubble to bio-refineries rather than burning it and adding to pollution. This boosts the rural economy in addition to the farmers’ standard of living.
Environmental Benefits
Utilizing biofuels in aircraft has significant positive effects on the environment. The carbon footprint of biofuels is lower than that of conventional jet fuels. They contribute to healthier environments and cleaner air by producing less pollutants and greenhouse gases. Using agricultural waste, such as stubble, also lessens the need for open-field burning, which is one of the main causes of air pollution in India.
Challenges and Solution
The switch to biofuels is not without difficulties, despite the obvious advantages. The manufacturing of biofuels is not scalable, which is one of the main obstacles. It takes a substantial infrastructure and technological investment to turn stubble into biofuel. Moreover, there can be logistical challenges involved in the gathering and transportation of stubble.
Both the Indian government and the corporate sector are funding research and development to address these issues. The conversion process is becoming more economical and efficient thanks to technological advancements. Additionally, in order to guarantee a consistent supply of raw materials for the manufacturing of biofuel, a strong supply chain for stubble collection and transportation must be established.
Collaboration with foreign Players
India is not the only country pursuing environmentally friendly aviation fuels. The nation is exchanging technology and information with its foreign partners. These partnerships are essential for resolving logistical and technological issues and hastening the aviation industry’s transition to biofuels.
Upcoming prospects
The use of biofuels in Indian aviation seems to have a bright future. Although 20% biofuel use by 2029 is a lofty goal, it is doable with the correct investments, legislation, and technological developments. Future increases in the usage of sustainable fuels will be made possible by the industry’s adaptation and growth of the biofuel production sector.
Aviation sector in India has made a major step toward sustainability with its commitment to use 20% biofuel derived from stubble by 2029. In addition to addressing environmental issues, this program helps rural development and provides farmers with financial advantages. Notwithstanding the obstacles still present, the government, business community, and foreign allies must work together to accomplish this challenging objective. In the end, the switch to biofuels signifies a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future of indian aviation.
