Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana: Boosting Biofuel Production in India

[arjun]

The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool Fasal Awashesh Nivaran) Yojana is an important initiative by the Indian government to promote the production of biofuels. Launched in 2019, this scheme aims to create a sustainable and eco-friendly energy source by converting agricultural waste and other biomass into bioethanol. The focus is on reducing India's dependency on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and providing an additional income source for farmers by utilizing crop residues.

Key Features of Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana

1. Bioethanol Production:
   The scheme encourages the setting up of second-generation (2G) ethanol plants across the country. These plants use biomass such as agricultural residues, forestry residues, and industrial waste to produce bioethanol.
2. Environmental Benefits:
   By converting agricultural waste into biofuels, the scheme helps reduce air pollution caused by burning crop residues. It also contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions.
3. Economic Support:
   The scheme provides financial support to set up bioethanol plants, with a total financial outlay of ₹1,968 crore over six years (2018-2024). This support includes both capital and operational expenditure subsidies.
4. Employment Generation:
   The establishment of bioethanol plants is expected to create job opportunities, especially in rural areas, thereby contributing to rural development.

[arjun]

Under this scheme, the first 2G Ethanol Project, established by Indian Oil Corporation Limited in Panipat, Haryana, was dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister on 10th August 2022.

Other 2G commercial projects by BPCL, HPCL, and NRL in Bargarh (Odisha), Bathinda (Punjab), and Numaligarh (Assam) are also nearing completion.

[arjun]

The latest Cabinet decisions on the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, announced on August 9, 2024, introduced significant modifications to enhance the scheme's scope and impact:

1. Extended Timeline:
   The scheme's implementation timeline has been extended by five years, now running until 2028-29. This extension allows for a more comprehensive development of advanced biofuels and encourages greater participation from the industry.
2. Inclusion of Advanced Biofuels:
   The revised scheme now includes biofuels derived from lignocellulosic feedstocks such as agricultural and forestry residues, industrial waste, synthesis gas, and algae. Additionally, "Bolt-on" plants and "Brownfield projects" are now eligible under the scheme, leveraging their existing experience to improve viability.

These updates aim to accelerate India's progress towards energy self-reliance, support the agricultural sector by providing income from residues, reduce environmental pollution, and contribute to the country's goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2070​

[arjun]