Repowerindia has engaged in an exclusive interview with Kishan Karunakaran, CEO, Buyofuel
1. What does Buyofuel do?
Buyofuel is a digital marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of biofuels and biomass-based energy solutions in India. It acts as a trusted platform for industries looking to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives like biodiesel, biomass briquettes, and other biofuels. By streamlining the supply chain, Buyofuel enhances transparency, accessibility, and traceability in the biofuel sector, ensuring compliance with sustainability standards and regulatory requirements.
2. What are the advantages of using biomass-coal co-combustion compared to solely using coal?
Biomass-coal co-combustion presents a multifaceted approach to enhancing power generation sustainability. By integrating biomass into existing coal-fired power plants, a significant reduction in overall CO₂ emissions can be achieved, as biomass is considered carbon-neutral. Moreover, this practice contributes to cleaner air by lowering sulfur dioxide emissions, thereby mitigating acid rain. The strategy also offers tangible benefits in resource management, extending the longevity of coal reserves through reduced consumption and providing a productive outlet for agricultural and organic waste. This waste utilization not only minimizes landfill burdens but also creates potential revenue for farmers. Finally, co-combustion strengthens energy security by diversifying fuel sources and lessening reliance on imported coal, fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious energy landscape.
3. How do biofuels contribute to lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?
Biofuels achieve emission reductions primarily through a closed-loop carbon cycle. During their growth phase, plants absorb atmospheric CO₂ through photosynthesis, effectively sequestering carbon. When these plants are processed into biofuels and subsequently burned, the same amount of CO₂ is released, resulting in a significantly lower net carbon contribution compared to fossil fuels that introduce new carbon into the atmosphere. Furthermore, certain biofuels, notably biodiesel, offer additional environmental benefits by emitting fewer particulates and nitrogen oxides, leading to improved air quality. The production of bio-methanol and ethanol from captured waste gases, whether from industrial processes or organic decomposition, further enhances sustainability by preventing the release of potent greenhouse gases like methane into the atmosphere.
4. How do the overall lifecycle emissions of biofuels compare to fossil fuels?
Although biofuels typically demonstrate lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels, it’s crucial to acknowledge the variability in their overall environmental impact. While reductions ranging from 50% to 90% are achievable, contingent on the feedstock and production method employed, the conversion of land for large-scale biofuel production, particularly using food crops like corn, can inadvertently lead to deforestation, thereby diminishing the earth’s carbon sequestration capacity. In contrast, advanced biofuels, specifically second and third-generation varieties derived from waste materials, algae, or non-food crops, offer a more sustainable pathway by substantially mitigating the land-use and fertilizer-related concerns associated with traditional biofuel production.
5. What are some emerging technologies improving biofuel production efficiency and sustainability?
Several emerging technologies are poised to revolutionize biofuel production, enhancing both efficiency and sustainability. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) offers a significant advantage by converting wet biomass directly into bio-crude oil, thereby eliminating the energy-intensive drying process. Cellulosic ethanol production, utilizing non-food biomass like straw and wood chips, addresses sustainability concerns associated with food-crop-based biofuels. Algae-based biofuels hold immense promise, boasting high yields and the potential for carbon-negative production due to algae’s natural CO₂ absorption during growth. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology into biofuel supply chains is streamlining operations, improving traceability, and ensuring regulatory compliance, ultimately fostering a more efficient and sustainable biofuel industry.
6. What is the five-year outlook for this industry, and your role in it?
The biofuels industry is poised for significant growth over the next five years, driven by increasing global demand for sustainable energy and stricter carbon reduction policies. The global biofuel market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2.3% between 2022 and 2026, with Asia, particularly India, leading in new production due to strong domestic policies and export-driven growth. India’s biofuel sector is undergoing rapid expansion, fueled by initiatives like the National Biofuels Policy and the Ethanol Blending Program. India is set to become the third-largest ethanol market by 2026, with blending targets expected to reach 20% by 2025 . Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and compressed biogas (CBG) are also emerging as key contributors to emission reductions, aligning with global net-zero commitments.
