The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) successfully hosted the 3rd International Conference on World Biofuel Day 2024, themed “The Biofuel Revolution in India: Fueling Tomorrow.” The event, organized under SIAM’s जैविक पहल (Bio-initiative), brought together global and national experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the pivotal role of biofuels in India’s transition to sustainable energy and its impact on the automotive industry.
The conference began with an inaugural session titled “Catalyzing the Indian Biofuel Story for the Global Arena,” moderated by Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director of SIAM. In his opening remarks, Banerjee highlighted the importance of collaboration, communication, and competency in India’s biofuel journey. He noted that India has embraced the E20 economy, and the sector’s progress is a result of strong cooperation with global partners.
The event was graced by the presence of Kenneth Félix Haczynski da Nóbrega, Ambassador of Brazil, who served as the Chief Guest. In his address, the Ambassador emphasized the synergy between Brazil’s ethanol expertise and India’s efforts in decarbonization. He highlighted the collaboration between the two nations as a global example of energy transition, with major investments and technology transfers driving sustainable mobility and long-term climate goals.
Rohit Mathur, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, credited the success of India’s biofuel program to the collective efforts of multiple ministries under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mathur stressed the importance of advancing biofuels to utilize domestic resources fully, benefiting farmers, saving foreign exchange, and transforming the ecosystem. He called for increased investment in advanced biofuels and a public awareness campaign on flex-fuel and ethanol percentages.
K.C. Sharma, Chief Engineer at the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, highlighted the significant progress in ethanol blending, which has increased from 1.4% in 2013-14 to nearly 20% today. Sharma acknowledged the collaborative efforts of fuel providers, vehicle manufacturers, and component suppliers in advancing bio-ethanol solutions.
Vikram S. Kasbekar, Executive Director of Hero MotoCorp Ltd. and SIAM Executive Committee Member, spoke on the readiness of the industry to roll out flex-fuel vehicles. He stressed the importance of ensuring that customers see value in adopting ethanol, given its lower energy content compared to petrol.
Dr. Reji Mathai, Director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), marked a significant milestone in achieving E20 compliance with BS VI standards, while Sujoy Choudhury, Director at Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., emphasized the need for equitable and sustainable biofuel growth. Choudhury noted that oil companies have significantly increased their tankage to support the biofuel journey.
Mandava Prabhakar Rao, President of the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA), discussed the efficiency of sugarcane in water and land utilization. He highlighted the potential for the sugarcane industry to meet 55% of India’s ethanol demand by increasing the conversion of sugarcane to ethanol by just 10%.
The conference also saw the release of a Context Paper titled “Biofuels in India: Current Scenario and the Road Ahead.” In his closing remarks, Rajesh Menon, Director General of SIAM, underscored India’s significant achievements in the biofuel sector and the need for continued collaborative efforts to drive future advancements.
The event featured several thematic sessions, including discussions on biofuel demand and supply management, the auto industry’s preparedness for a flex-fuel future, and building a resilient ecosystem for biofuel adoption. Industry leaders and experts shared insights on policy frameworks, technological innovations, and the role of various stakeholders in achieving India’s decarbonization goals.
SIAM, along with its members, continues to work with governments, corporations, and other stakeholders to promote the adoption of clean fuels, in line with its mission of building a sustainable future for the Indian automobile industry.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is a leading national body representing major vehicle and engine manufacturers in India. SIAM is committed to supporting the sustainable development of the Indian automobile industry and enhancing its global competitiveness.
