Centre initiates research on second generation bio-fuels

New Delhi, Mar 12 : Union Government on Friday informed the Parliament that it has initiated to develop coordinated research work on second generation bio-fuels.

In a reply to the Lok Sabha, Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah, said: 'Efforts have also been initiated to develop coordinated Research and Development projects on second generation bio-fuels such as production of ethanol from agricultural wastes and residues and bio-diesel from algae.'

He also said the National Policy on Bio-fuels is aimed at accelerated promotion and development of bio-fuels such as bio-ethanol and bio-diesel.

The Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have been directed to sell five percent ethanol blended petrol in the entire country except Northeastern States, Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.

Bio-diesel is currently not being marketed commercially for blending with diesel as the bio-diesel industry is still at nascent stage of development.

Research and Development is also being pursued through different scientific agencies on feedstock development, conversion processes and production of ethanol mainly from sugarcane molasses and bio-diesel from Jatropha.

Abdullah further informed that the amounts spent by various ministries and departments during the last three years from 2006-07 to 2008-09 is about Rs. 48.98 crore and Rs. 20.37 crore so far during the current year.