Exploring the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA)

1. What is the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA)?

The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) is an international organization launched in September 2023 during India’s G20 Presidency in New Delhi. It serves as a global platform to accelerate the adoption of biofuels and facilitate cooperation among nations for a sustainable energy transition. The Alliance acts as a catalyst for developing biofuel ecosystems worldwide.

2. What is India’s role in the GBA?

India is a founding member and the host country of the GBA. Its permanent secretariat is located in New Delhi, making India the institutional headquarters. India played a pivotal role in conceptualizing, launching, and shaping the Alliance’s vision during its G20 Presidency. As host, India leads by example through its robust domestic biofuel policies and serves as a bridge between developed and developing nations in biofuel adoption.

3. How has India demonstrated leadership in biofuels domestically?

India has implemented several pioneering initiatives, including the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, targeting 20% ethanol blending by 2025. The country has established a comprehensive biofuel policy covering ethanol, biodiesel, and compressed biogas. Financial incentives, viability gap funding, and infrastructure support have boosted domestic production. India is also promoting sustainable aviation fuel and second-generation biofuels to avoid conflicts with food production.

4. What are India’s strategic benefits from leading the GBA?

Leadership in the GBA positions India as a global knowledge hub and production center for biofuels, attracting international investment and technology partnerships. It enhances India’s soft power and diplomatic influence in the energy sector while supporting energy security. The Alliance provides India with opportunities to export biofuel technologies, expertise, and products globally, as well as access international funding and advanced technologies.

5. How does India’s biofuel program align with the GBA’s objectives?

India’s comprehensive approach — covering liquid biofuels, biogas, and sustainable aviation fuel — mirrors the GBA’s holistic vision. The focus on agricultural waste and non-food feedstocks aligns with the Alliance’s sustainability principles. India’s experience in scaling production provides practical guidance for other developing nations.

6. What is India contributing to GBA’s global initiatives?

India actively participates in international forums such as COP summits, G7 meetings, and the World Economic Forum to promote biofuels through the GBA. It contributes to research publications, policy frameworks, and best practice sharing. India hosts events, roundtables, and knowledge-sharing sessions in New Delhi, while providing technical expertise and capacity-building support to other developing nations.

7. How does India help developing countries through the GBA?

India shares successful models, like the EBP Programme and financial mechanisms, with other developing nations. It provides technical assistance, training programs, and policy guidance to establish biofuel industries. Through the GBA, India facilitates South-South cooperation and technology transfer, focusing on cost-effective, scalable solutions suitable for developing economies.

8. What are India’s future plans within the GBA framework?

India aims to become a major biofuel exporter and global technology provider. Plans include expanding sustainable aviation fuel production, strengthening R&D partnerships for next-generation biofuels, and creating a robust supply chain network connecting India with global markets through GBA collaborations.

9. How does the GBA support India’s energy security goals?

The Alliance provides India with diversified biofuel feedstocks and technologies, reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports. It opens international markets for India’s biofuel products, creates revenue streams, and enables collaboration on advanced technologies to enhance domestic energy production capacity and efficiency.

10. What challenges does India address through the GBA?

India uses the GBA to tackle common challenges such as feedstock sustainability, technology costs, and infrastructure development. The country leverages collective bargaining to secure better terms for biofuel technologies and equipment and works to establish international standards and certification systems to facilitate global biofuel trade.