(a) the production of bio-diesel in the country during each of the last three years and the current year;
(b) the total budgetary allocation made in respect of bio-diesel during the said period; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government for production, distribution and use of bio-diesel in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a) & (b): The Biodiesel production is not being reported in the country and there is no budgetary allocation for production of biodiesel.
(c): Steps taken by the Government for biodiesel development includes the following:
i. Announcement of Biodiesel Purchase Policy in 2005;
ii. Direct sale of biodiesel (B100) to bulk consumers by manufacturers/ suppliers other than Oil Marketing Companies in the country has been allowed;
iii. Retailing of biodiesel blended diesel by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies has been started;
iv. Continuous support for various Research and Development activities for production of biodiesel from various non-food feed stocks in the country is being provided;
v. The Bureau of Indian Standards has published a standard i.e. IS 15607:2005 ‘Bio diesel (B 100) - Blend stock for diesel fuel – specification’ which stipulates the quality parameters of the biodiesel; and
vi. For development, promotion and utilisation of biofuels, including biodiesel, a National Policy on Biofuels was announced in December, 2009. The Policy endeavours to facilitate and bring about optimal development and utilization of indigenous biomass feed-stocks for production of bio-fuels to increasingly substitute Petrol and Diesel for transport and other applications.
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