Guyana among 19 countries to join Global Biofuels Alliance

– as India leads initiative to expand biofuels as low-carbon alternative

Biofuel, the use of energy derived from organic matter, has long been touted as a viable alternative to fossil fuel as an energy source. It has now received a boost with the formation of a ‘Global Biofuels Alliance’ led by India, with Guyana among 19 other countries who are joining the alliance as initiating members.
During the Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting, a standalone event on Consultations and Recommendations for the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) was organised in Goa, India on Saturday. At the event, strong support was received from countries within and beyond the G20 nations.
“Nineteen countries expressed their interest in being the initiating members of the alliance with fifteen Countries and nine International Organizations attending the event. This signifies a momentous step forward in advancing the development and deployment of biofuels through a multi-stakeholder global alliance,” a statement from the Indian High Commission said.

During the GBA event, the Energy Ministers of thirteen countries and Heads of nine international organizations participated. They include India, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Guyana, Italy, Kenya, Mauritius, Paraguay, Seychelles, the United States, UAE and Uganda. Guyana was represented by its acting Chargé d’Affaires, based at the High Commission of Guyana in New Delhi.
However, international organizations such as the Biofuture Platform, International Civil Aviation Organization, International Energy Agency, International Energy Forum, International Renewable Energy Agency, World Bank, World Biogas Association, and World Economic Forum, were also part of the event and welcomed the initiative.
Meanwhile, India’s Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri noted the importance of this project reaching the people.
“True success of Global Biofuels Alliance will depend on moving this project from a project of the government to the project of the people. The vision of PM Shri Narendra Modi is giving renewed thrust to collaborative efforts & knowledge sharing in the world’s green energy journey,” an Indian Oil Ministry statement quoted Singh Puri as saying after consultations within the alliance.
During the meeting, several countries including Brazil, Italy, Kenya, & UAE highlighted the importance of sharing best practices across policy, technology, & implementation. The forum recognized that overcoming challenges such as feedstock management, standards development, & technological innovations require a collaborative approach and as such, welcomed the initiative by the Indian Presidency to move towards the creation of the global alliance.
Ministers from several other countries also highlighted the appeal of biofuels as a low-carbon pathway, while underscoring the critical necessity for engaging in clean energy initiatives. The leaders highlighted that despite the huge potential of Biofuels as an important low-carbon pathway to development, several challenges continue to hinder their adoption.
Support was forthcoming from the United States (US), with Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm, remarking that the United States recognizes the establishment of a Global Biofuels Alliance as a critical step in their biofuels journey and that they look forward to moving from “test tube to test drive and field to fuels”.
Meanwhile, Minister of State of Mines and Energy in Brazil, Alexandre Silveira de Oliveira, highlighted that multiple forms of energy will be required to meet sustainable energy needs. In this context, he reinforced the importance of the alliance.
Further, International Organizations such as IEA and IEF emphasized the expansive potential of biofuels for other countries and highlighted the importance of standardization, waste recycling, and investments to build on the untapped potential.
The World Biogas Association highlighted that only 2 per cent of waste is being recycled currently and the absence of recycling to consumable products is contributing to methane emissions. International Organizations also enunciated how they look forward to supporting the alliance.
The forum recognized that overcoming challenges such as feedstock management, standards development, and technological innovations requires a collaborative approach and welcomed the initiative by Indian Presidency to create the global alliance.
There was also an exhibition to trace the evolution of biofuels from ancient times; to the present era. An “interactive Wall” detailed processes through which Biofuels are manufactured along with a display of various feedstocks. The exhibition also featured an Ethanol Cookstove, while technological models showcasing the production processes of 2G Ethanol, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, CBG & Biodiesel Green Energy gave a glimpse into a sustainable future powered by Biofuels.