(a) whether the Government proposes to emphasise on the production of bio-diesel to reduce dependence on Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC);
(b) if so, whether the Government is facing any constraints to enhance its production;
(c) if so, the steps being taken by the Union Government to overcome them;
(d) whether the Government has framed any policy for extraction of Ethanol from Jatropha which is used as Bio-diesel; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL & NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a): Yes, Madam. The National Policy on Biofuels, announced by the Government in December, 2009, has, inter-alia, laid down guidelines for promotion of production of bio-diesel for blending with high speed diesel.
(b): Non-availability of non-edible oil seeds for production of bio-diesel is the major constraint.
(c): Government is supporting Research and Development (R&D) to improve the oil content of the non-edible oil seeds besides increasing the yield of seeds of various species such as Jatropha, Pongamia, etc. The R&D is also being pursued through different Scientific Agencies on production of bio-diesel from ligno-cellulosic wastes and residues.
(d)&(e): No, Madam. However, R&D is also being carried out on production of ethanol from Jatropha seed cakes.