On August 9th, 2023, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organized an International Conference titled “Fuelling the Future towards Sustainability” on the occasion of World Biofuels Day. The conference aimed to promote eco-friendly and sustainable mobility within the automotive industry through the utilization of biofuels.
Dignitaries and experts from various sectors gathered at the event in New Delhi to discuss the potential of biofuels in achieving a more sustainable future. The Chief Guest, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, emphasized the Indian government’s commitment to environmental preservation and the transition to clean energy. He praised the efforts of the automotive industry in reducing emissions and underlined the importance of incorporating biofuels and ethanol blending in this endeavor.
The conference featured sessions addressing different aspects of biofuel, including production, policies, technology advancements, and international collaborations. Sunil Kumar, Joint Secretary (Refinery) of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, highlighted India’s potential for biofuel production using resources like sugarcane and maize. He also underscored the government’s supportive policies and programs.
Stakeholders from various sectors shared their insights during the event. Aditya Jhunjhunwala, President of the Indian Sugar Mills Association, stressed the collective effort needed to tackle climate change with greener energy solutions like biofuels. Abhay Bakre, Director General of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, applauded the transportation sector’s strides in emission reduction and highlighted the need for a robust carbon market.
The conference also enjoyed international participation, with Jonathan M. Heimer, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the US Commercial Service, pledging support for India’s biofuel adoption. He highlighted the India-US partnership’s potential to contribute expertise and technology to reduce reliance on biofuel imports.
Throughout the conference, industry experts presented their perspectives on driving the biofuel economy in India and the importance of regulatory frameworks, testing, and standardization. Plenary sessions covered topics such as sustainable feedstocks, biofuel policies, and global innovation in biofuel technology.
The event concluded with Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director of SIAM, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to promoting sustainability in the automotive sector. SIAM’s engagement with governments, corporations, and stakeholders underscores its dedication to responsible nation-building.
The conference provided a platform for knowledge-sharing, discussions, and collaborations, highlighting the immense potential of biofuels in propelling the automotive industry towards a more sustainable and greener future. With the collective efforts of various stakeholders, India aims to capitalize on its untapped energy resources and emerge as a leader in sustainable mobility.
