Title: Economic evaluation and environmental benefits of biofuel: an Indian perspective

Authors: Anuj Kumar Chandel, Rajeev Kumar Kapoor, M. Lakshmi Narasu, Viswajith Viswadevan, S.G. Saravana Kumaran, Ravinder Rudravaram, L. Venkateswar Rao, K.K. Tripathi, Banwari Lal, R.C. Kuhad

Addresses: Lignocellulose Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi-110 021, India. ' Lignocellulose Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi-110 021, India. ' Centre for Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kukatpally, Hyderabad-500 072, Andhra Pradesh, India. ' Department of Microbiology, National Facility for Marine Cyanobacteria, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli-620 024, Tamilnadu, India. ' Lignocellulose Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi-110 021, India. ' Department of Microbiology, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007, Andhra Pradesh, India. ' Department of Microbiology, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007, Andhra Pradesh, India. ' Department of Biotechnology, 8th Floor, Block II, C.G.O Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 007, India. ' The Energy Research Institute, Darbari Seth Block, India Habitat Center, Lodhi road, New Delhi-110 007, India. ' Lignocellulose Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi-110 021, India

Abstract: Biomass based fuel technologies are rapidly developing and the barriers in implementing such technologies are being identified to achieve their widespread commercialisation. The two most common biofuels are biodiesel and bioethanol. About 500 million litres of ethanol is required in India itself for 10% blending to gasoline. Indian Planning Commission sees tremendous potential in Jatropha curcus and has supported through various government agencies nationwide programmes to cultivate using wastes/degraded lands. Biofuel policy might capitalise on the production of biofuels supporting rural economic development and sustainable agriculture. This paper discusses the economic and environmental aspects of Biofuel specially in Indian perspective.

Keywords: bioethanol; biodiesel; biofuel economics; Jatropha curcus; Kyoto protocol; biofuels; biomass; bioenergy; India; environmental benefits.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2007.016249

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2007 Vol.28 No.4, pp.357 - 381

Published online: 12 Dec 2007 *

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