Biodiesel can prove to be a game changer for the energy security of our country, which is aspiring big. Yes, our government has come up with the National Policy on Biofuels 2018, which includes harnessing of biodiesel to meet the energy security of India.

India must promote biofuels for reducing its crude import bill. It is noteworthy that India meets more than 80 per cent of its oil needs through imports. The domestic crude oil production is able to meet only about 17.9% of the demand, while the rest is met from imported crude. India is the largest consumer of vegetable oil and has a potential to recover 220 crore litre of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) for the production of biodiesel by the year 2022 through coordinated action.

Biodiesel in India is of strategic importance for ensuring India’s energy balance and security. Also, it aligns well with the ongoing initiatives of the Government such as Make in India and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and offers great opportunity to integrate with the ambitious targets of doubling of farmers’ income, import reduction, employment generation, waste to wealth creation, and simultaneously, creating a win-win model for people, profit and planet.