Certainly! 🌱 World Biofuel Day is observed annually on August 10. It serves as a reminder of the significance of non-fossil fuels and their potential to replace traditional fossil fuels. Let’s delve into some key points about biofuels:
- History and Inspiration:
- World Biofuel Day commemorates Sir Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine. On August 9, 1893, he successfully ran an engine using oil derived from peanuts.
- This event inspired the celebration of World Biofuel Day, emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy alternatives¹.
- Biofuels:
- Biofuels are renewable, biodegradable, and sustainable energy sources.
- They offer an opportunity to reduce dependence on imported crude oil and contribute to a cleaner environment.
- The two most common biofuels are:
- Ethanol: Produced by fermenting residues from crops like corn and sugarcane. It is often blended with petroleum to reduce emissions (e.g., E10, where 10% is ethanol).
- Biodiesel: Made from used cooking oil, yellow grease, or animal fats. It is produced by burning cooking oil or fat with alcohol in the presence of a catalyst¹.
- India’s Biofuel Initiatives:
- India has been actively promoting biofuels:
- The National Policy on Biofuel (approved in 2018) aims for 20% ethanol blending and 5% biodiesel blending by 2030.
- These initiatives enhance energy security, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and contribute to rural development.
- Biofuels are also part of the “Make in India” program.
- The government provides excise duty exemptions to encourage biofuel production¹.
- Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a second-generation ethanol plant in Haryana’s Panipat, further advancing India’s biofuel efforts¹⁴.
- Global Context:
- The United States allows gasoline blending with 10% ethanol (mainly from corn).
- In Brazil, fuel is sold with 85% ethanol blending (mainly from sugarcane)¹.
By promoting sustainable energy alternatives, World Biofuel Day contributes to a greener and more self-reliant energy ecosystem. Let’s continue supporting these efforts for a better future! 🌿🌎¹⁴