Nineteen countries have joined India as initiating members of the “Global Biofuels Alliance”, as New Delhi’s bid to bolster biofuels as a low-carbon pathway received backing from within and beyond the G20 group of countries.
A release from the Indian High Commission here yesterday said that on the sidelines of the Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting, a standalone event on Consultations and Recommendations for the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) was organized on 22nd July 2023 in Goa, India.
The release said that nineteen countries signalled their interest in being the initiating members of the alliance with fifteen countries and nine international organizations attending the event.
This GBA event saw participation from the Energy Ministers of thirteen countries and Heads of nine international organizations. India, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Guyana, Italy, Kenya, Mauritius, Paraguay, Seychelles, the United States, UAE and Uganda were in attendance along with international organisations such as the Biofuture Platform, International Civil Aviation Organisation, International Energy Agency, International Energy Forum, International Renewable Energy Agency, World Bank, World Biogas Association, and World Economic Forum. The release said that Guyana was represented by an official based at the High Commission of Guyana in New Delhi. Guyana is yet to name a replacement for Charrandass Persaud who was recalled as High Commissioner from New Delhi on October 26, 2022 after an expletive-laden argument with a woman was revealed.
“True success of (the) Global Biofuels Alliance will depend on moving this project from a project of the government to the project of the people,” an Indian Oil Ministry statement quoted India’s Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri as saying after consultations on Saturday.
An exhibition in Goa on 22nd July, 2023 traced the evolution of biofuels from ancient times; to the present era, the release said. An “interactive Wall” also detailed processes through which Biofuels are manufactured along with a display of various feedstocks. The exhibition also featured an Ethanol Cookstove, while technological models showcasing the production processes of 2G Ethanol, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, CBG & Biodiesel Green Energy gave a glimpse into a sustainable future with Biofuels.
The release said that several countries including Brazil, Italy, Kenya, & UAE highlighted the importance of sharing best practices across policy, technology, & implementation. The forum recognized that overcoming challenges such as feedstock management, standards development, & technological innovations requires a collaborative approach & welcomed the initiative by Indian Presidency to move towards a global alliance.
Jennifer Granholm, US Energy Secretary remarked that the United States recognizes the establishment of a Global Biofuels Alliance as a critical step in their biofuels journey and that they look forward to moving from “test tube to test drive and field to fuels”, the release reported. Alexandre Silveira de Oliveira, Minister of State of Mines and Energy, Brazil, highlighted that to meet sustainable energy needs multiple forms of energy will be required and, in this context, reinforced the importance of the alliance, the release said.
