In a recent address at the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) summit, Nitin Gadkari, Bharat’s Minister of Road Transport and Highways, highlighted the need for a comprehensive exploration of biofuels and alternative fuels to drive unprecedented growth in the energy and power sector. Gadkari emphasized a strategic shift from being a fuel importer to becoming an exporter, aiming to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuels.
Gadkari focused on utilizing surplus products like broken rice and sugarcane for ethanol production, reducing the government’s need to purchase these products at Minimum Support Prices (MSPs). He proposed a solution to the issue of stubble burning by encouraging farmers to sell crop residues for biofuel production, contributing to the economic upliftment of rural, agricultural, and tribal sectors.
Addressing the economic potential of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Gadkari expressed optimism about significant investments in Bio Aviation Fuel in Bharat. He set a target to build a 2 lakh crore economy, emphasizing the importance of policy diversification. Gadkari suggested leveraging bamboo resources from Northeastern Bharat for ethanol production and promoting flex engines, particularly in drones, for enhanced environmental friendliness.
Sanjeev Agrawal, President of PHDCCI, praised Gadkari’s visionary approach and commitment to developing qualitative, time-bound, cost-effective, and sustainable infrastructures in the country. He highlighted Gadkari’s achievements in overseeing the construction of over 70,000 km of National Highways in the last seven years, with an additional 3,00,000 km of new roads currently under construction.
Agrawal recognized the government’s initiatives in promoting bioenergy under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, emphasizing the need for sustainable and green sources of energy. Hemant Jain, Senior Vice President of PHDCCI, appreciated the shift towards Green Hydrogen and Biofuels, stating that they represent the future of fuels.
Saket Dalmia, Immediate Former President of PHDCCI, discussed practical challenges faced by the industry and urged Gadkari for support. Dr. Venu Gopal Achanta, Director of CSIR – NPL, the Guest of Honor, briefed about various energy technologies developed by CSIR, highlighting the successful test flight of a pilot plant for Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, Executive Director of PHDCCI, emphasized the potential of Biofuels across industries and the transportation sector, presenting an excellent opportunity for startups, MSMEs, research institutions, and corporates to be part of India’s green energy transition. Dr. J. P. Gupta, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, underscored the urgency of biofuels for energy security and promoting employment, aligning with the prime objective of Bharat’s Prime Minister.
The summit aimed to become a catalyst for energy transformation in the country, aligning with the vision of the Prime Minister, and garnered support from central government ministries, state government departments, and other stakeholders in transforming challenges into opportunities.
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