6. Global Climate Change and Biofuels Policy: Indian Perspectives

In the past few decades, unparalleled efforts have been made to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, aiming to reduce air pollution and lessen the climate change effect. Fossil fuel burning in the energy sector is the significant contributor to GHG, global warming and climate change. These scenarios have motivated scientists and policy makers to look for eco-friendly energy supply options with enhanced energy efficiency. Globally, biofuels, considered as a substitute for fossil fuels, have become top priority due to its eco-friendly nature, and many energy policy initiatives have taken place, especially in biofuel production and its use, and various advances in technology are in progress. The biofuel policies are instrumental in improving energy security by reducing foreign oil imports by promoting renewable energy resource. The government is also focusing on advances in research and industrial development on biofuel and biomass-based economy. New policy initiatives have ample opportunities for biofuel production from agricultural residues, industrial waste, and other wastes, which exist as unused or surplus. The sustainable production of biofuel and its use as a substitute for fossil fuels and related policy initiatives would help in the mitigation of climate change.