(a) whether any research is being carried out on alternative fuel in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(
(c) the funds earmarked and incurred thereon during the last three years;
(d) whether the Government proposes to formulate the bio-diesel policy;
(e) if so, the salient features thereof;
(f) whether the Government proposes to set up bio-diesel Board to regulate
the bio-diesel industry; and
(
g) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
AND MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a)&(b): Research and Development on alternate fuels including different aspects of
production,conversion and utilization of bio-fuels is being carried out in a number
of research institutions and universities. Apart from the Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy,support is being provided by Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of Agriculture
and Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
(c): An expenditure of about Rs.41 crore is reported to have been incurred during the
last three years.
(d),(e),(f)&(g): Under the Allocation of Business Rules, the Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy has been given the responsibility for preparing the National Policy on Bio-fuels
and setting up of a National Bio-fuel Development Board. The draft Policy, including a
proposal for setting up of the Board alongwith its draft terms of reference and composition,
has been submitted for necessary approvals.
The draft Policy aims at promoting the cultivation, production and use of biofuels to
partially replace petrol and diesel for transport, stationary and portable applications
with the objective of contributing to energy security, environmental protection and
mitigation of climate change.