State PCS - Chhattisgarh (CGPSC)

• 14 Aug 2025

Chhattisgarh Celebrates World Biofuel Day

Why in News? 

The Chhattisgarh Biofuel Development Authority (CBDA) celebrated World Biofuel Day (on 10th August 2024) in Gorhi village, Durg district, with enthusiasm and dignity.  

• The event highlighted green energy, rural engagement, and biofuel promotion, with CBDA successfully producing biodiesel from non-edible oilseeds and used cooking oil, and future plans for biojet fuel, bioethanol, and green hydrogen. 

Key Points About World Biofuel Day 

• It aims to raise awareness about non-fossil fuels as sustainable energy alternatives and to highlight government initiatives that support the biofuel industry. 
• The day commemorates the successful operation of an engine on peanut oil by German engineer Sir Rudolf Diesel on 9th August 1893. 
• Theme for 2025: "Biofuels: A Sustainable Pathway to Net Zero" 

Biofuels 

• Biofuels are fuels derived from plant biomass or animal waste and are renewable energy sources. Common biofuels include: 
  • Ethanol: Made by fermenting crop residues like corn and sugarcane, then blended with petroleum to reduce emissions. The common blend is Ethanol-10 (10% ethanol). 
  • Biodiesel: A biodegradable fuel produced from used cooking oil, recycled grease, or animal fats, made by reacting oil or fat with alcohol and a catalyst. 
• Significance of Biofuels: 
  • Environmental Benefits: Biofuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and improve waste management. 
  • Energy Security: With over 85% of oil imported, biofuels can enhance India's energy security. 
  • Economic Benefits: Biofuels can reduce oil imports, lower the import bill, and boost farm incomes, especially from surplus crops like corn and sugarcane. 
  • Abundant Availability: Biofuels can be produced from crops, waste, and algae.

Note

• India is the world's 3rd largest oil consumer (behind the US and China). 
  • India aims to achieve a 20% ethanol blending target by 2025. 
  • The first 2G ethanol project was inaugurated in Panipat, Haryana in 2022. 
    • 2G ethanol is a biofuel produced from non-food sources like agricultural residues and waste. 

Chhattisgarh Celebrates World Biofuel Day

Why in News? 

The Chhattisgarh Biofuel Development Authority (CBDA) celebrated World Biofuel Day (on 10th August 2024) in Gorhi village, Durg district, with enthusiasm and dignity.  

• The event highlighted green energy, rural engagement, and biofuel promotion, with CBDA successfully producing biodiesel from non-edible oilseeds and used cooking oil, and future plans for biojet fuel, bioethanol, and green hydrogen. 

Key Points About World Biofuel Day 

• It aims to raise awareness about non-fossil fuels as sustainable energy alternatives and to highlight government initiatives that support the biofuel industry. 
• The day commemorates the successful operation of an engine on peanut oil by German engineer Sir Rudolf Diesel on 9th August 1893. 
• Theme for 2025: "Biofuels: A Sustainable Pathway to Net Zero" 

Biofuels 

• Biofuels are fuels derived from plant biomass or animal waste and are renewable energy sources. Common biofuels include: 
  • Ethanol: Made by fermenting crop residues like corn and sugarcane, then blended with petroleum to reduce emissions. The common blend is Ethanol-10 (10% ethanol). 
  • Biodiesel: A biodegradable fuel produced from used cooking oil, recycled grease, or animal fats, made by reacting oil or fat with alcohol and a catalyst. 
• Significance of Biofuels: 
  • Environmental Benefits: Biofuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and improve waste management. 
  • Energy Security: With over 85% of oil imported, biofuels can enhance India's energy security. 
  • Economic Benefits: Biofuels can reduce oil imports, lower the import bill, and boost farm incomes, especially from surplus crops like corn and sugarcane. 
  • Abundant Availability: Biofuels can be produced from crops, waste, and algae.

Note 

• India is the world's 3^rd largest oil consumer (behind the US and China). 
  • India aims to achieve a 20% ethanol blending target by 2025. 
    • The first 2G ethanol project was inaugurated in Panipat, Haryana in 2022. 
    • 2G ethanol is a biofuel produced from non-food sources like agricultural residues and waste.