BL Explainer: What is the Global Biofuel Alliance all about
BL Explainer: What is the Global Biofuel Alliance all about BusinessLine
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Global Biofuels Alliance: Strengthening Global Biofuels Trade for a Sustainable Future
Supported by G20 countries and organizations like IAE, ICAO, WEF, World LPG Foundation, and on the sidelines of the latest G20 meeting at New Delhi, the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) was announced. The GBA aims to bring together biofuel producers and consumers to strengthen global biofuels trade and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. The alliance will play a crucial role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring energy security, affordability, and accessibility for the future. Through global collaboration, the GBA will support the development and deployment of sustainable biofuels.
The Role of Biofuels in Greenhouse Gas Reduction
According to the G20 Biofuels Study report, biofuels currently account for 0 to 7 percent of the energy mix in G20 countries. The GBA aims to raise awareness of the vital role biofuels play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It will drive global sustainable biofuel development, support national programs, share policy insights, build capacity, reshape perception, and boost global trade. The alliance will promote best practices for efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable feedstock use, ensuring a stable supply of eco-fuels. Additionally, it will create a virtual marketplace connecting industries, countries, and technology providers to enhance demand-supply mapping.
About the Global Biofuels Alliance
The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) was announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 9, 2023, during the G20 Summit held in New Delhi. The GBA is an initiative to develop an alliance of governments, international organizations, and industry to facilitate the adoption of biofuels. By bringing together the biggest consumers and producers of biofuels, the GBA aims to position biofuels as a key component of the global energy transition. The alliance is expected to contribute to job creation, economic growth, and the achievement of the SDGs.
Objectives of the Global Biofuels Alliance
The GBA aims to support the global development and deployment of sustainable biofuels through various initiatives:
- Capacity-building exercises across the biofuels value chain
- Technical support for national programs
- Promotion of policy lessons-sharing
- Mobilization of a virtual marketplace to map demand and supply
- Connection of technology providers to end users
- Development, adoption, and implementation of internationally recognized standards, codes, sustainability principles, and regulations
- Support for research and advocacy to improve biofuel technology
- Expansion of sustainable feedstock range and conversion to biofuels
Participating Countries and Organizations
Nineteen countries and twelve international organizations have already agreed to join the GBA. The alliance has received support from seven G20 member countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, Italy, South Africa, and the USA. Additionally, four G20 invitee countries, namely Bangladesh, Singapore, Mauritius, and UAE, have expressed their support. Eight non-G20 countries are also part of the alliance: Iceland, Kenya, Guyana, Paraguay, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Finland. Furthermore, twelve international organizations, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, World Economic Forum, World LPG Organization, UN Energy for All, UNIDO, Biofutures Platform, International Civil Aviation Organization, International Energy Agency, International Energy Forum, International Renewable Energy Agency, and World Biogas Association, are supporting the GBA.
The GBA members constitute major producers and consumers of biofuels. The USA, Brazil, and India contribute approximately 85 percent of biofuel production and 81 percent of ethanol consumption.
Impact on India’s Biofuel Programs
The GBA will help India become a leading voice for the global south by encouraging countries that have not yet started their biofuels programs to adopt sustainable biofuels. For India, the alliance will provide additional opportunities for its industries to export technology and equipment. It will also accelerate India’s existing biofuel programs, such as PM-JIVAN Yojna, SATAT, and GOBARdhan scheme. These initiatives will contribute to increased farmers’ income, job creation, and overall development of the Indian ecosystem.
Attitude of Oil Producers
Major oil companies, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, are actively participating in the clean energy space. Both countries are part of the G20 and are committed to accelerating clean, sustainable, and inclusive energy transitions to achieve climate objectives.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Indicator: Percentage of biofuels in the energy mix of G20 countries
-
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
- Indicator: Job creation and economic growth resulting from the adoption of biofuels
-
SDG 13: Climate Action
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Indicator: Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through the use of biofuels
-
SDG 15: Life on Land
- Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally
- Indicator: Adoption of sustainable feedstock and conversion of feedstock to biofuels
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix | Percentage of biofuels in the energy mix of G20 countries |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | Job creation and economic growth resulting from the adoption of biofuels |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through the use of biofuels |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally | Adoption of sustainable feedstock and conversion of feedstock to biofuels |
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Source: thehindubusinessline.com
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