Green fuel pump nozzle with drop oil. Bio fuel concept.
| Photo Credit:
lcs813
Waste – whether from the agricultural sector, food processing industries, homes or commercial establishments- has long continued to be dumped at landfills. Often, organic waste, which can easily be recycled to produce valuable resources, is left to rot in the open, occupying the land and contributing to environmental pollution. However, with the advancement of technology and growing awareness about sustainable practices, in the past decade, a wave of change has been witnessed, where organic waste is increasingly being harnessed to not only advance the shift towards cleaner energy through the production of biofuels but also build a circular economy where every resource is utilised efficiently.
Waste to biofuels: Energy for a greener tomorrow
The global energy demand is rising at an unprecedented speed, driven by rapid industrialisation and population growth. In the current scenario, fossil fuels are indisputably the primary source of energy to meet the diverse needs of the people. From running industries and vehicles to lighting up homes and more, fossil fuels comprise over 80 per cent of the global energy mix. And we all are aware that there are perils of burning this source of energy, evident from the increasing episodes of climate change incidents. Moreover, there is a finite reserve of fossil fuels, which is going to be depleted sooner or later.
Biofuels, unlike fossil fuels, are a renewable source of energy. With every crop cycle, with each batch of food produced in the processing industry, biomass – the material used for producing biofuel, can be naturally replenished. In addition, biofuels produce lower emissions when burned, compared to the traditional non-renewable counterparts, contributing to minimising the overall carbon emissions. According to government data, India’s urban and industrial organic waste has an estimated energy generation potential of about 5,690 MW. Considering all these factors, biofuels are a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and better for the environment and the world.
Paving the way for a circular future
Generating biofuels from waste is one way to build a better, greener and more sustainable world. It also plays a vital role in advancing circular economy principles, one of the foundational pillars in the journey to Net Zero.
Closing the loop by recycling waste and turning it into valuable resources would ensure that available resources are used efficiently, conserving enough for future generations.
Instead of treating organic residue as waste, treating it as a resource reduces the carbon footprint and aids the Net Zero transition.
In northern India, where the problem of stubble burning causes the capital and neighbouring states to choke at the onset of winter and degrades air quality levels, utilising the crop residue helps generate renewable sources of fuel, create jobs in rural areas and provide another source of income for the farmers.
The world’s approach towards turning waste into biofuels
With the urgency of decarbonisation at hand and the fast-approaching Net Zero targets, countries across the globe are embracing innovative means to turn waste into biofuels.
India has announced the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme, aiming to blend ethanol with petrol to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, with a 20 per cent blending target initially set for 2030. Biodiesel, derived from non-edible oilseeds like jatropha and used cooking oil, is used in diesel engines, while Compressed Biogas (CBG) from agricultural waste, dung, and municipal waste is gaining traction under the SATAT initiative.
Sweden and Finland have already integrated biofuels into their national climate strategies. Moreover, the aviation industry, a major contributor to carbon emissions, is increasingly showing interest in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) derived from waste oils and residues.
Overcoming bottlenecks
Generating biofuels from waste holds immense promise, but there are significant barriers in the path to fully utilise its potential. Advanced biofuels obtained from algae remain costly, while existing infrastructure and technologies require a significant upgrade to process waste in large quantities. Further, segregating wet waste at source remains a logistical remains a major challenge in many Indian cities, stalling efficient resource utilisation. Policy support and investment are crucial to address these issues and advance the efforts. Collaborating with international organisations can further support the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
India’s vast agricultural sector alone provides a large quantity of organic resources that could be used to produce biofuels. The country could produce over 60 billion cubic meters of biogas annually from agricultural residues alone. When combined with municipal and food processing industry waste, it can unlock massive potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and achieve its target of Net Zero by 2070.
The author is CEO & Co-Founder of Blue Planet Environmental Solutions
Published on July 19, 2025