World Biofuel Day

World Biofuel Day, observed annually on August 10, celebrates the role of biofuels in promoting sustainable energy and commemorates the first successful engine operation on peanut oil by Sir Rudolf Diesel in 1893.

Biofuels, derived from plant and animal biomass, are gaining traction due to their renewable nature and potential to mitigate climate change and air pollution caused by fossil fuels.
Ethanol, a common biofuel, is produced from crops like corn and sugarcane through fermentation and is blended with petroleum to reduce emissions, with E10 being the most prevalent blend.
Biodiesel, another major biofuel, is made from used cooking oil or animal fats and involves burning these substances with alcohol and a catalyst.
Biofuels offer significant environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving waste management.
They enhance energy security, particularly for countries like India, which imports over 85% of its crude oil, by providing a domestic alternative and reducing dependency on foreign oil.
Economically, increased biofuel use can lower oil import costs and boost farm incomes by utilizing surplus agricultural produce and reducing storage issues.
The Indian government has enacted policies such as the National Policy on Biofuel, which promotes biofuel blending and aims to advance ethanol blending from 2030 to 2025-26, and has also established the Global Biofuels Alliance to encourage international cooperation and trade in sustainable biofuels.