Question : PRODUCTION OF BIOFUELS

(a) whether India has a large potential for production of biofuels;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of biofuels presently being produced in the country;

(d) whether India has been exporting biofuels;

(e) if so, the details thereof and the details of foreign currency generated from such export during each of the last three years;

(f) whether the Government has any proposal to encourage the setting of the biofuels plants in the country by giving more subsidy and other packages; and

(g) if so, the details thereof ?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL & NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a)&(b): Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has not assessed the potential for production of biofuels in India. However, there exists a large potential for production of biofuels from agricultural and agro-industrial wastes and residues as well as cultivation of non-edible oil seed bearing trees on waste lands in the country.

(c): The Department of Food and Public Distribution has informed that the average production of bioethanol has been about 285 crore litres per year during the last three years. Further, as per the information provided by the Bio Diesel Association of India, the average production of biodiesel in the country has been about 30,630 tonnes per year during the last three years.

(d)&(e): Yes, Madam. As per the information received from the Bio Diesel Association of India, export of bio-diesel during the last three years viz. 2011, 2012 and 2013, has been about 30,065 tonnes, 2,000 tonnes and 59,830 tonnes, respectively. The value of foreign exchange earned through these exports during the last three years is estimated as Rs. 180.00 crore, Rs. 12.00 crore and Rs. 359.00 crore, respectively.

(f): There is no proposal for providing subsidy or support for setting up biofuel plants in the country.

(g): Does not arise.