Govt amends export policy for biofuels

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Science and Technology – Biotechnology

Source: Economic Times

 Context: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended a notification of 2018 – “to the extent that export of biofuel from special economic zones/export-oriented units are allowed for fuel as well as non-fuel purpose without any restriction when produced using only imported feedstock”.

• A licence is required for both exports and imports of biofuels. Biofuels include ethyl alcohol, petroleum oil and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, bio-diesel and mixtures.

About Biofuels:

• Any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from an organic matter (living or once living material) in a short period of time (days, weeks, or even months) is considered a biofuel.
• Biofuels may be solid, liquid or gaseous in nature.
• These can be used to replace or can be used in addition to diesel, petrol or other fossil fuels for transport, stationary, portable and other applications.
• Some of the main reasons for shifting to biofuels are the rising prices of oil, the emission of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels and the interest in obtaining fuel from agricultural crops for the benefit of farmers.

Classification of Biofuels:

Importance of Biofuels:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are a renewable source of energy.
• Helps double farmers’ income.

Government policies to promote Biofuels:

• National Policy on Biofuels, 2018.
• Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana, 2019
• GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) DHAN scheme, 2018
• Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO)

Insta Links:

Biofuels

Prelims Link: (UPSC 2011)