Page 150 - CW E-Magazine (12-11-2024)

Top Stories

G-STIC CONFERENCE

India to develop roadmap post-20% ethanol blending

target: Petroleum Minister

India’s energy consumption is pro- source. “The key challenge remains in re-
jected to increase significantly – from 5.4- ducing the cost of production,” he noted,
mbpd (million barrels per day) today to an calling for ongoing innovation and scaling
anticipated 7-mbpd by 2030. Nearly 25% of technology in this sector.
of the increase in global energy demand
over the next two decades will originate At the G-STIC conference, experts
from India alone. Affordability remains a explored strategies for developing green
primary concern in addressing this energy hydrogen markets, ensuring secure off-
transition. take, and addressing the cost challenges
currently hindering large-scale adoption.
According to Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri, These discussions focused on reducing
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, ment’s commitment to research and deve- risks for investors and producers, position-
the critical trilemma in energy policy that lopment, citing innovative solutions such ing green hydrogen as a key pillar for a
democratically elected governments glo- as hydrogen fuel cell technology being sustainable energy future.
bally face is balancing affordability, avail- piloted in public transport. Currently, India
ability, and sustainability. is operating 15 hydrogen-powered buses, Dr. Dietrich Van der Weken, General
which are still in the demonstration phase. Manager of G-STIC at VITO, remarked,
Mr. Puri was speaking at the 7th “We are strongly convinced that techno-
G-STIC Delhi Conference on ‘Accelerating He also termed green hydrogen as a logy is a critical enabler of sustainable de-
Technologies Solutions for the SDGs,’ game-changer for India’s energy land- velopment, but it must be paired with the
organised by TERI and Belgium’s VITO, scape, and outlined the importance of local right policies, partnerships, and mindsets
with the support of eight other not-for- demand, production, and consumption in to bring about the transformative changes
profit independent technology research making green hydrogen a viable energy that the world urgently needs”.
institutes.
ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
A highlight of his address was the Birla Carbon aims net zero carbon emissions
substantial progress made in ethanol
blending, which has surged from just by 2050
1.53% in 2013-14 to 16% today. This Birla Carbon, one of the leading manu- ing energy systems through strategic
achievement has prompted the govern- facturers and suppliers of high-quality acquisitions like Nanocyl. These initia-
ment to advance its blending target of 20% carbon-based solutions, has released its tives not only contribute to a sustainable
from 2030 to 2025. Mr. Puri noted that dis- 12th annual sustainability report titled – future but also align with our customers’
cussions have already begun to establish a Sustainability In Action. The report high- evolving needs in critical industries,” said
roadmap for sustainable energy solutions lights the company’s commitment to Mr. John Loudermilk, President & CEO,
beyond the 20% blending target. achieving net zero carbon emissions by Birla Carbon.
2050 through substantial advancements
He expressed confidence that the suc- in Continua Sustainable Carbonaceous Key highlights of the report include:
cess of India’s ethanol initiatives could Material (SCM) and prioritizing the ISCC Plus certification for all 16

serve as a model for other countries in the focus on its net zero 4Rs strategy – Re- Birla Carbon plants;
Global South, although he acknowledged search, Reduce, Replace, and Repurpose Set interim greenhouse gas (GHG)

that unlike Brazil, India lacks the luxury to achieve lower carbon emissions. reduction targets to reduce Scope 1,
of abundant arable land for biofuel pro- 2, and 3 emissions intensity by 22%
duction. “This year, we have made significant by 2030; and
strides in reducing greenhouse gas emis- Achieved a 40% reduction in its total
Mr. Puri also emphasised the govern- sions, promoting circularity, and enhanc- recordable incident rate.

150 Chemical Weekly November 5, 2024

Contents Index to Advertisers Index to Products Advertised