Cabinet extends timeline for PM JI-VAN Yojana, includes biofuel produced from more feedstocks

New Delhi: The Cabinet has approved modification of the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana on Friday, extending its timeline by five years and including biofuels produced from lignocellulosic feedstocks, like, agricultural and forestry residues, industrial waste, syn gas, algae, etc in its scope. “To keep pace with the latest developments in the field of biofuels and to attract more investment, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the modified Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana,” said a statement.

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The Cabinet also approved further investment of Rs 1,969 crore into the programme, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said during a briefing. PM JI-VAN Yojana is the government's flagship programme focused on converting biomass to ethanol under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme.

Timeline for PM JI-VAN Yojana extended until 2028-29

The modified scheme extends the timeline for implementation of the scheme by five years till 2028-29. It also includes advanced biofuels produced from lignocellulosic feedstocks within its scope. ‘Bolt-on’ plants and ‘Brownfield projects’ would also now be eligible to leverage their experience and improve their viability. “To promote multiple technologies and multiple feedstocks, preference would now be given to project proposals with new technologies and innovations in the sector,” said the statement.

The scheme aims to provide remunerative income to farmers for their agriculture residue, address environmental pollution, create local employment opportunities, and contribute to India's energy security and self-reliance. It also supports the development of advanced biofuel technologies and promotes the Make in India Mission. It also helps in achieving India’s ambitious target for net-zero GHG emissions by 2070, said the statement.

“The Government of India's commitment to promoting advanced biofuels through the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana reflects its dedication to a sustainable and self-reliant energy sector,” it added. To meet the ethanol blending target of 20 percent by 2025-26, the government is focusing on alternate sources like 2nd Generation (2G) Ethanol (Advanced biofuels).  Surplus biomass /agricultural waste which has cellulosic and lignocellulosic content, industrial waste etc that can be converted to ethanol using advanced biofuel technology.

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