Regarding the first supply of UCO based biodiesel, Pradhan said that this is a milestone in India’s biofuels sector and it will have a positive impact on the environment.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan (File Photo)
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday flagged off the first supply of UCO (used edible oil) based biodiesel blended diesel under the IOI scheme from Indian Oil’s Tikrikalaan Terminal, Delhi. Tarun Kapoor, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Chairman of Indian Oil SM Vaidya were also present on the occasion.
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas along with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, World Biofuels on August 10, 2019 to create an ecosystem to convert UCO to biodiesel and develop entrepreneurial opportunities. On the occasion of the day, he expressed his interest to purchase ‘Biodiesel produced from used edible oil’.
Such ‘expressions of interest’ are expressed by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) from time to time. In the first phase, 11 EOIs were issued between August 10, 2019 and November 9, 2020 for 200 places. The publication of the EOI for 300 locations across the country has been extended for one year till December 31, 2021.
23 LOIs have also been issued for biodiesel plants
Under this initiative, OMCs guarantee incremental value from time to time for five years and off-take guarantee for ten years to prospective entrepreneurs. So far, Indian Oil has also issued 23 LOIs for biodiesel plants with a total capacity of 22.95 crore liters (557.57 TPD). As part of this initiative, Indian Oil has received 51 kiloliters (KL) of UCO-biodiesel from its Tikarikalan terminal in Delhi till 31 March 2021.
On this occasion, Dharmendra Pradhan praised the oil industry for playing an important role in keeping the fuel lines operational despite the difficult challenges of the epidemic. Apart from this, he also appreciated the OMC for going beyond practical business imperative by supporting the supply of medical oxygen to the nation in this crisis. Pradhan lauded the leadership role of Indian Oil for streamlining liquid oxygen logistics in the country through various initiatives.
Milestone in the field of biofuels
Regarding the first supply of UCO-based biodiesel from Indian Oil’s Tikri Kalan Terminal, Pradhan said, “This is a milestone in India’s biofuels sector and it will have a positive impact on the environment.” This initiative will provide substantial economic benefit to the nation by increasing indigenous biodiesel supply, reducing import dependence and generating rural employment. He appreciated the active role played by OMC in this direction and said that 30 LOIs have already been issued.
Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Tarun Kapoor said, ‘With this beginning a new era of bio-energy has started, which will bring revolution in the Indian petroleum sector. The availability of feedstock in biodiesel is a challenge and leveraging UCOs can be a major success, which will enable us to reach the goal of 5 percent biodiesel blending. It will also help in diverting unhealthy used oil from the food chain to a more productive purpose.
Construction of 8 biodiesel plants started in different states
Indian Oil President SM Vaidya said, ‘Indian Oil is committed to contribute to this remarkable campaign to improve the unhealthy edible oil used and bring revolution through’ fuel to fuel ‘. We also aspire to explore the last drop of UCO and its conversion to biodiesel, so that it can contribute to a more energy safe, green and healthy India. This program is also another important step towards a clean and self-reliant India. He further informed that Indian Oil has started construction of eight biodiesel plants in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel, similar to conventional or ‘fossil’ diesel. It is produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, lard and waste edible oils. A distinct advantage of biodiesel is its carbon neutrality. For example, oilseed absorbs the same amount of carbon dioxide as the fuel comes out when combusted. In addition, biodiesel is rapidly biodegradable and completely non-toxic.
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Source- PIB
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