Bioenergy can cover 50% of fossil fuel consumption in five years: Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, stated that bioenergy has the potential to replace up to 50% of India’s fossil fuel consumption within five years. Speaking at the 'Bhoomipujan programme' of the Indian School for Design of Automobiles, he stressed that the transport sector contributes to 40% of the country’s air pollution due to fossil fuel usage. Highlighting the importance of alternative fuels, he urged the automobile industry to intensify research and development in this area to support India’s carbon neutrality ambitions, as envisioned by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.
He noted that India currently spends Rs. 22,00,000 crore (US$ 256.02 billion) on fossil fuel imports annually. The country is exploring various alternatives, including ethanol, methanol, biodiesel, bio- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), and electric and hydrogen fuels. Ethanol blending in petrol has already reached 20%. He emphasised that the automobile industry plays a key economic role, with Rs. 3,00,000 crore (US$ 34.91 billion) in exports and over 4.5 crore jobs created. Companies like Bajaj, TVS, and Hero export nearly 50% of their production. He underlined the sector’s significant contribution to both employment and innovation, reinforcing India’s status as a global automotive hub.

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