Uttar Pradesh reveals guidelines for Bioenergy policy; targets biofuel production

Uttar Pradesh's energy scenario has been suffering from a non-reliable supply of energy and environmental deterioration caused by fossil fuel exploitation.

The state has an abundance of bioenergy options that can be used to acknowledge present-day energy demand. The Uttar Pradesh government announced the formulation of a Bioenergy policy which will regulate the production and demand-supply of biofuel.

From offering a cheaper fuel options for vehicles, to catering to never-ending energy demands, Bioenergy technologies such as biogas, biodiesel, bio-ethanol and biomass gasification, have great potential. While addressing the present-day needs, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister announced that they would set-up a Bioenergy production framework.

Reportedly, the framework includes setting up at least one unit of biogas production in each of the 75 districts of the state. At present, production has commenced in two units of bio coal, while one unit of compressed biogas was completed in the month of June.

Domestic biofuel production can reduce the consumption of imported fossil fuels, which provides economic gains, in addition to shielding against supply disruptions and fuel price fluctuations. As per the announcement, to ensure a proper supply chain, vacant land in villages or agricultural land or sugar mill premises will be used for setting up biofuel plants and for storage of biomass.

Furthermore, promoting biofuels will be helpful in reducing dependence on crude oil and promoting a cleaner environment by reducing carbon emissions which is one of the major concerns for the entire world.

Uttar Pradesh has an opportunity to present a model for the world to learn from.

In the past, efforts to promote bioenergy projects, like compressed biogas (CBG), bio coal, ethanol and biodiesel, have yielded positive results in several states. With increasing population and environmental risk, it is time to look at alternate fuels as the primary source of energy.