During the Bio Energy Summit 2011 in New Delhi, Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) said the Indian government would develop a national bio energy mission for the country.

According to an article published by the India Education Diary, the focus on such a mission is a very important strategy for the country.

“India has been projected to face perpetual shortfall in meeting the energy demand,” the media outlet wrote. “Bio Energy … plays a key role in cooking/heating & has future potential in transport.”

In addition to Farooq’s announcement at the summit, other delegates also spoke to the importance of a national bio energy mission.

In an opening address, Pramod Chaudhari, Co-Chairman CII National Committee on Renewable Energy & Chairman for Praj Industries Ltd, said that the ambition the country is showing towards bio energy is a step in the right direction.

India aims to develop “a strong domestic bio energy industry, strengthened additionally by the potential of this sector to positively impact the lives of the farmers,” wrote the India Education Diary.
“Therefore the bio-gas technologies whether it is in the form of cooking gas through biomass digester, electricity generated through a biomass gasifier, or direct fired boilers through steam turbines can play an important role in country’s energy security.”

A national bio energy mission would also help bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, Farooq said.
“Grid parity among States is not equal and connectivity to remote locations is a major issue. The Ministry wants industry to bring innovative new technologies that would empower rural areas,” he said.

Despite the government’s desire to push ahead with the mission, the bio energy sector faces a number of challenges including dilemmas related to policy development, commercial sustainability, feedstock availability, availability of appropriate technologies, and sufficient financing.

SOURCES:
India Education Diary: “CII Bio Energy Summit – Enabling Sustainable Energy Access For India”
The Hindu Business Line: “National Bio Energy Mission Soon: Farooq”