Waste – whether from the agricultural sector, food processing industries, homes or commercial establishments- has long continued to be dumped at landfills. Often, organic waste, which can easily be recycled to produce valuable resources, is left to rot in the open, occupying the land and contributing to environmental pollution. However, with the advancement of technology and growing awareness about sustainable practices, in the past decade, a wave of change has been witnessed, where organic waste is increasingly being harnessed to not only advance the shift towards cleaner energy through the production of biofuels but also build a circular economy where every resource is utilised efficiently.
The global energy demand is rising at an unprecedented speed, driven by rapid industrialisation and population growth. In the current scenario, fossil fuels are indisputably the primary source of energy to meet the diverse needs of the people. From running industries and vehicles to lighting up homes and more, fossil fuels comprise over 80 per cent of the global energy mix. And we all are aware that there are perils of burning this source of energy, evident from the increasing episodes of climate change incidents. Moreover, there is a finite reserve of fossil fuels, which is going to be depleted sooner or later.
Biofuels, unlike fossil fuels, are a renewable source of energy. With every crop cycle, with each batch of food produced in the processing industry, biomass – the material used for producing biofuel, can be naturally replenished. In addition, biofuels produce lower emissions when burned, compared to the traditional non-renewable counterparts, contributing to minimising the overall carbon emissions. According to government data, India’s urban and industrial organic waste has an estimated energy generation potential of about 5,690 MW. Considering all these factors, biofuels are a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and better for the environment and the world.
