The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has taken a significant step towards advocating eco-friendly and sustainable transportation by organizing an international conference with the focal theme “Advancing Sustainability in Future Energy: Marking World Biofuels Day 2023.” This conference, designed to commemorate World Biofuels Day, aimed to foster a knowledge exchange concerning the integration of biofuels to enhance sustainability within the automotive industry. The event encompassed a comprehensive exploration of various aspects of biofuels, including production, utilization, policy implications both in India and globally, as well as the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies. The conference provided a valuable platform for industry experts and stakeholders to collaborate and brainstorm strategies to promote sustainability in the automotive sector through the utilization of biofuels.
The conference was graced by Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State, Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Govt. of India, who served as the Chief Guest. Choubey emphasized the government’s commitment to environmental preservation while simultaneously fulfilling the demands of a sustainable lifestyle. He shared, “We have encouraged the production of different non-fossil fuels and added a huge amount of renewable energy. Biofuel can play a key role in India’s transition to clean energy and facilitate net-zero goals.” He highlighted the automotive industry’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and expressed confidence that biofuel and ethanol blending would bolster these endeavors.
The inaugural session, titled “Sustainable Future of Automotive Industry with Biofuels,” featured Sunil Kumar, Joint Secretary (Refinery) – Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, who lauded India’s potential to produce biofuels and attain self-sufficiency through the use of resources like sugarcane and maize. Kumar acknowledged the automotive industry’s contributions to emission reduction through the implementation of BS-VI norms and assured continued government support through supportive policies and programs.
Aditya Jhunjhunwala, President of the Indian Sugar Mills Association, stressed the significance of collective efforts from major stakeholders in addressing climate change and exploring greener, more sustainable energy solutions like biofuels.
Abhay Bakre, Director General of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), underscored the need to reduce costs associated with biofuel adoption, promote technology advancements, and improve the supply chain to facilitate smooth transportation. He commended the transportation sector’s strides towards emissions reduction and its proactive move towards biofuel promotion.
Jonathan M. Heimer, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the US Commercial Service, US Embassy, New Delhi, pledged support for India’s biofuel adoption efforts through the India-US partnership, bringing expertise and technologies to reduce reliance on biofuel imports.
Throughout the conference, experts presented on a range of topics, including the biofuel economy in India, sustainable feedstocks for biofuel production, policy initiatives, and emerging trends in biofuels. The event culminated with Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director of SIAM, reaffirming SIAM’s dedication to promoting sustainability within the automotive sector and harnessing India’s untapped energy resources for the nation’s progress.
