In an interesting panel discussion titled “International Perspective on BioEnergy: Enabling Global Energy Transition” at IBET 25 event, the experts and industry leaders from Brazil, Germany and Finland discussed the various perspectives of global energy transition. The panellists discussed bioenergy as a global solution for energy security, rural development, trade, and commerce, addressing sustainability questions and emphasising innovation and collaboration. Questions regarding bioenergy’s sustainability, land use, and food versus fuel balance are acknowledged as global debate points. The speakers emphasise innovation and collaboration as crucial for addressing these questions and scaling solutions globally.

Dr Rahool S Pai Panandiker, Managing Director & Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Group moderated the panel discussion. The industry leaders participated in the session includes Dr Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, LanzaTech; Claus Sauter, Founder & CEO, VERBIO Group; Atul Mulay, Chairman, Bioenergy Committee of IFGE, President Bioenergy, Praj Industries, Ravi Gupta, Chairman, IFGE Sugar Bioenergy Forum, & Executive Director, Shree Renuka Sugars; Dr Pradeep Monga, Senior Advisor and Policy Director, World Biogas Association. 

The panel discussion also witnessed the perspectives of special guests H.E. Mr. Kimmo Lahdevirta, Ambassador of Finland to India and H.E. Mr. Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nóbrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India. Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to Prime Minister of India also shared his views on energy transition in virtual mode.

Rahool Parandiker informed the audience that Bioenergy is presented as a multifaceted solution beyond climate, encompassing energy security, rural development, and trade. He highlighted the examples of successful bioenergy initiatives in Brazil, Europe, and India.

While commenting about the status of the bioenergy sector, Dr Y B Ramkrishna said that India is aggressively pursuing bioenergy goals, aiming for self-sufficiency and export leadership in various biofuels.​ Our country is moving from importing to exporting ethanol and has ambitious programs for compressed biogas (CBG) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).India aims to achieve net-zero by 2050 globally, with targets for SAF blending starting at 1 per cent by 2027 and reaching 5 per cent by 2030.

“India plans to become a net exporter of green hydrogen, converting biomass into hydrogen. Success factors for bioenergy include feedstock availability (surplus food grains, agri-residues, alternative crops), technology development, and market mechanisms. There are ample of opportunities for carbon neutral fuels for India in European markets”, Dr Ramkrishna said.

 He also highlighted the challenges which include creating supply chains for biomass, commercial viability of technologies, and developing infrastructure for distribution.

 While emphasising the need of clear roadmap for bioenergy sector, Dr Ramkrishna said that policy enablers are crucial, including long-term commitment, clear mandates, government support (subsidies/incentives), and policies for export markets and carbon markets.

Jennifer Holmgren said that India is leading in biofuel technology deployment, transitioning from first to second-generation biofuels and moving towards a circular economy. There is tremendous progress in 2G ethanol plants and Bio-CNG in India.

“Technology deployment leadership is shifting to India due to focus on farmers, rural economy, and reducing forex.  Transition from first-generation to second-generation biofuels (waste use) and future circular economy. CO2 conversion is the next big thing, especially reducing carbon intensity of ethanol for SAF export”, Jennifer added.

Claus Saiter expressed his view about global energy transition.  He said that Europe’s biofuel production started due to agricultural overproduction but faced “food versus fuel” debates, leading companies to move to the US and Asia. The US biofuel industry, particularly ethanol, is driven by corn surplus and the Renewable Fuel Standard, producing 1 million barrels daily.

 While emphasising on potential of biomass he said, “India has a significant opportunity with 20 million tons of unused biomass for CBG production, which could create jobs, reduce stubble burning, and replace natural gas imports. Reliable and stable regulation, along with a viable business case, are crucial for the success of biofuels in India.”

The success of ethanol in India is attributed to attractive pricing, but Indian ethanol is currently too expensive for export. The CBG business in India is not taking off due to a lack of a viable business case, despite available technology and market potential, he added.

H.E. Kimmo Lahdevirta, Ambassador of Finland to India said that Finland has set some future milestones. “Finland aims to be coal-free by 2029, carbon neutral by 2035, and carbon negative by 2050, with bioenergy central to these goals. Finland has world-leading expertise in biofuels, waste-to-energy, and circular economic solutions. These achievements are not solely about GDP. They reflect how societies thrive when sustainability is at the core of policy and innovation,” he said.

Lahdevirta also added that Finland, a leader in sustainability and bioenergy, seeks global partnerships for energy transition. Examples of Finnish innovation include second-generation liquid biofuels, high-efficiency power plants, and hybrid off-grid solutions.

He said that case studies highlight projects like renewable synthetic methane production in Tampere and bio-oil/bio-coal scaling from forest residues.

The Brazilian Ambassador, H.E. Keneth Felix, said that the country transitioned to ethanol due to a crisis. “There was an economic and security rationale that led to Brazil’s ethanol policy. And the success was based on continuity”.

Ravi Gupta, Chairman, IFGE Sugar & BioEnergy Forum and ED, Shree Renuka Sugars, said that India’s bioethanol story has been exemplary. He said that the sugar industry just needs a strong ecosystem, sustainable policy, and the environment to excel.

“At this point, our total ethanol production capacity is 1700 crores, but to produce E20, we need 1100 crore litres. There is a surplus of 600 crore litres. I think the need of the hour is to think beyond E20”, he added.

Atul Mulay commented that technology, commercial, and ecosystem readiness levels are crucial for technology adoption and are key for promoting technology. Ecosystem readiness boosts technology readiness, suggesting international collaboration.

“India’s ethanol success (35 crore to 17 billion liters) is an example of these three factors aligning.  Adequate pricing protection and government policy were crucial for commercial and ecosystem readiness. First-generation ethanol technology was mature in India and Brazil”, said Mulay.

Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Prime Minister, said that the ethanol programme has been a success and we should now target CBG. “We want CBG to remain viable, even for the companies buying and selling it,” Kapoor said.

He added that fuel that is being mass consumed in the country should have blending with biofuel, “We are keen to do blending with diesel and LPG. We need to have the right products. Some R&D is being done as we speak. We don’t want to create problems for existing vehicle engines. Once the right blend is developed, there will be a very large market,” he said.

Dipti Barve

dipti.barve@mmactiv.com