How Bengaluru's Grease Hunters Are Turning Waste Cooking Oil Into Jet Fuel
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Growth, inflation & macro indicators· Prelims + Mains·
Circular economy and biofuel mandates: a relevant GS3 and Energy Transition case study.
Why in news
Major Indian oil marketing companies (IOCL, HPCL, BPCL) are seeking large quantities of used cooking oil to fulfill government-mandated biofuel targets.
Background
The Indian government aims for 5% sustainable aviation fuel by 2030. Currently, only 5% of India's 3 million tons of used oil is being collected, with M11 Energy Transition Pvt. and Munzer Bharat managing collection networks.
Facts for Prelims
- FactIndia's total used cooking oil volume is 3 million tons.
- FactCurrent collection rate of used cooking oil in India is 5%.
- FactGovernment target for sustainable aviation fuel is 5% by 2030.
- BodyIndian Oil Corp., Hindustan Petroleum Corp., and Bharat Petroleum Corp. are the primary entities seeking used oil.
Prelims practice question
What is the government's target for sustainable aviation fuel by 2030?
- (a)5%
- (b)10%
- (c)20%
- (d)15%
Show answer
Answer: (a) 5% — The Indian government aims for 5% sustainable aviation fuel by 2030.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the potential of used cooking oil as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel and the logistical challenges in establishing a circular economy for biofuels in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Logistical bottleneck: Low collection rates (5%) due to lack of organized waste-to-fuel supply chains
- Policy alignment: Balancing biofuel mandates with the need for sustainable feedstock sourcing
- Market dynamics: Role of private collection networks in meeting public sector biofuel mandates
Keywords: Circular Economy · Sustainable Aviation Fuel · Biofuel Mandates · Feedstock Logistics · Energy Transition
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.