Guwahati: Biofuels have emerged as a possible alternative to traditional fossil fuels. They are made from organic materials like plants and agricultural waste and help lower greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable agriculture practices, and address energy security concerns. As the globe grapples with climate change, the shift to biofuels offers a practical alternative to lessen the environmental impact of fossil fuel use, while also contributing to economic growth, job creation, and energy security.
During an interview with Business North East (BNE), Arup Kumar Misra, the Chairman of the Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA), gave insights on how the board is actively contributing to the promotion of biofuels as an alternative source of energy for the state and the country.
Arup Kumar Misra emphasized that while promoting biofuels is a multifaceted process involving various stakeholders, regulatory agencies such as the PCBA play a crucial role in aiding industry expansion. "Inviting businesses and creating industries is not the first move we can make. The Department of Industries, Commerce, and Entrepreneurs must take the first step. However, once the basis is created, the Pollution Control Board takes a proactive approach to promote the industry," he stated.
The fast-tracking process for ethanol production permits was one of the board's main priorities. Moreover, the Chairman of the Pollution Control Board of Assam said the firms in Assam have already submitted applications for ethanol production as part of their response to government directives about 20 per cent blending in petrol within a few years. As many as 11 firms have lodged their applications to set up ethanol units in the state, and the board of Assam has made it a top priority to dispose of such proposals in seven days only even as it will take two to three months at the central level. He also revealed that the initiative was started as a proposal from the Chief Minister's Office.
Currently, four to five industries in the state are trying ethanol production run and six to seven more are in the pipeline. Though Assam may not have long-standing sugarcane resources like other areas such as Maharashtra or Uttar Pradesh, Arup Kumar Misra pointed out that this swiftness could prove a logistical boon for the state.
“We are still nonconventional where we do not have large sugarcane waste, industries in Assam are coming up with new ways of securing raw materials such as bamboo plantations for bio-refinery operation at Maligarh which can provide a sustainable feedstock," he said.
According to Arup Kumar Misra, the Pollution Control Board also acts as a catalyst for promoting self-employment, particularly in rural areas. "We promote private-public partnerships (PPPs) and community-based approaches. For instance, in the Furitpur district, we're urging local farmers to collaborate and invest in a Rs 20 crore compressed biogas plant. Such joint initiatives can significantly reduce the burden on individual entrepreneurs while promoting green energy solutions," he explained.
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In addition to fostering local entrepreneurship, the Chairman of the Pollution Control Board of Assam emphasized the broader socio-economic benefits of biofuels. “As of last week, over 21.5 lakh people are registered as unemployed with the employment exchange. But we believe these challenges can be addressed by encouraging entrepreneurship, especially in green energy sectors like biofuels,” he said, referring to the rising unemployment exacerbated by mass marginal farmers with limited access to resources in Assam.
In addition to industrial development, the board's proactive strategy aims to align with national objectives. Arup Kumar Misra emphasized that biofuels might save India a substantial amount of foreign cash, that is presently spent on petroleum imports and significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent. "We are addressing environmental concerns and enhancing India's energy security by promoting biofuel production," he further said.
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