Author: Thasny Rahiman

Introduction

Every year, as winter approaches, Delhi’s residents brace themselves for a familiar yet avoidable crisis: dangerously high levels of air pollution. This year is no exception. The air quality in Delhi has already worsened significantly, with the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching alarming levels. As reported by the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the situation has prompted the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

On October 6, 2024, GRAP Stage I was activated, signalling that Delhi’s AQI had slipped into the “Poor” category (201-300). As the air quality further deteriorated into the “Very Poor” range (AQI 301-400), the city saw the enforcement of Stage II on October 21. Unfortunately, with winter setting in, conditions may worsen further, possibly necessitating the activation of even stricter measures. But while GRAP provides a systematic, emergency response to deal with rising pollution levels, it does not address the root causes of the problem, many of which lie outside Delhi’s borders, especially in the fields of Punjab and Haryana​.

Understanding GRAP and Its Role

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was introduced as a dynamic emergency framework designed to combat escalating pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. Developed and overseen by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). And this is in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), GRAP triggered by worsening AQI levels. It is an essential tool in the government’s arsenal to fight air pollution, though it acts more like a band-aid solution than a long-term fix.

GRAP consists of four stages, each corresponding to progressively worse air quality levels:

Stage I – “Poor” air quality (AQI 201-300)

Focus on strict enforcement of emission control measures, including restrictions on diesel and petrol vehicles that are overaged, sweeping of roads, and water sprinkling to curb dust.

Stage II – “Very Poor” air quality (AQI 301-400)

Measures intensify with more targeted actions, such as restricting the use of diesel generators, focusing on pollution hotspots, and limiting construction activities.

Stage III – “Severe” air quality (AQI 401-450)

Actions include restricting the use of certain vehicles, possibly shifting students to online classes, and closing down construction sites that contribute to air pollution.

Stage IV – “Severe+” air quality (AQI >450)

This stage would see the complete shutdown of non-essential businesses and stringent restrictions on vehicle entry into Delhi​.

Despite these measures, GRAP is essentially a reactive mechanism. It attempts to manage pollution levels after they have already reached dangerous levels but does little to prevent the situation from developing in the first place.

Stubble Burning in Punjab and Haryana: A Major Culprit

One of the leading causes of Delhi’s air quality crisis during the winter months is stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana. As farmers prepare their fields for the next crop cycle, many resort to burning the leftover paddy straw after harvesting. This method, though quick and efficient for farmers, releases vast amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the atmosphere. The result? A thick blanket of smog that envelops not only the fields but also nearby cities like Delhi, where it mixes with local pollutants from vehicles, construction dust, and industrial emissions.

Despite efforts by the government to curb this practice through fines and incentives, the situation remains largely unchanged. The Supreme Court recently criticised both Punjab and Haryana for their inadequate responses to the issue, labelling the continued incidents of stubble burning as an “absolute defiance” of the CAQM’s directives​.

A recent report revealed that 84% of Haryana’s stubble burning incidents are concentrated in just seven districts. It includes Fatehabad, Kaithal, Karnal, and Jind. This shows that while the problem is widespread, it is especially acute in certain areas​. The environmental and health impacts of this practice are severe, contributing significantly to the already hazardous pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region. Year after year, this toxic cocktail of agricultural fires, local pollution sources, and unfavourable winter weather conditions pushes Delhi into a state of public health emergency.

Why Farmers Continue to Burn Stubble

Despite the harmful effects of stubble burning on the environment and public health, many farmers feel they have no other viable options. The costs associated with alternative methods of crop residue management, such as the use of specialised machines, are prohibitively high for most small-scale farmers. Additionally, the short window between harvesting one crop and sowing the next creates immense time pressure, leading many to opt for the quickest and easiest solution—burning the stubble.

The government has introduced various measures to discourage this practice, including promoting the use of crop residue management equipment like Happy Seeder machines and offering subsidies for these alternatives. However, adoption has been slow, partly due to the costs and logistical challenges involved. Enforcement of anti-burning laws has also been inconsistent, further compounding the issue​.

2G Ethanol: A Sustainable Solution to Stubble Burning

To address the stubble burning problem in a sustainable and economically viable way, India must look towards innovative solutions like the production of 2G ethanol. Unlike 1G ethanol, which is derived from food crops like sugarcane and maize. 2G ethanol is from agricultural waste. This includes the paddy straw that is currently burned in the fields of Punjab and Haryana.

The advantages of 2G ethanol are numerous. First, it provides farmers with an alternative to burning their crop residue. Instead of viewing stubble as waste to be disposed of, farmers could see it as a valuable resource that can be sold to ethanol production plants. This would not only reduce air pollution but also provide farmers with an additional source of income, making the transition away from stubble burning economically attractive.

Second, 2G ethanol contributes to India’s energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. India has set ambitious targets for ethanol blending in fuel, aiming for 20% ethanol blending by 2025. To meet these targets, the country will need to significantly ramp up ethanol production, and 2G ethanol from biomass is a key component of that strategy​.

Finally, the use of 2G ethanol has environmental benefits beyond just reducing air pollution. As a biofuel, ethanol produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fossil fuels, contributing to India’s climate change mitigation goals. By adopting 2G ethanol on a large scale, India can make progress on multiple fronts: reducing air pollution, supporting farmers, and promoting clean energy.

Overcoming Challenges and Scaling Up 2G Ethanol

While the potential of 2G ethanol is clear, there are still challenges that need to address to make it a widespread solution. One of the biggest barriers is the lack of infrastructure for collecting and processing biomass on a large scale. Building 2G ethanol plants and setting up supply chains for collecting crop residue from farmers will require significant investment.

Government support will be crucial in this regard. Policymakers need to provide incentives for private companies to invest in ethanol production facilities and create a supportive regulatory environment. At the same time, farmers need to be educated about the benefits of selling their crop residue rather than burning it, and the government should ensure that they have access to the necessary logistics and support to make this transition​.

There are already signs of progress. The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote 2G ethanol production, including financial support for setting up bio-refineries. However, much more needs to do to scale up these efforts and make 2G ethanol a mainstream solution to India’s stubble burning crisis.

Conclusion

The air quality in Delhi has deteriorated once again, pushing the city into a state of emergency and triggering the implementation of GRAP. While this framework provides a structured response to rising pollution levels, it is not a long-term solution. The root causes of Delhi’s winter smog lie in neighbouring states, particularly in the fields of Punjab and Haryana where farmers continue to burn their crop residue.

To solve this problem sustainably, India must embrace 2G ethanol as a viable alternative. By converting agricultural waste into biofuel, 2G ethanol not only addresses the issue of stubble burning but also contributes to the country’s clean energy goals. With the right investments and policy support, 2G ethanol could be the key to reducing air pollution, supporting farmers, and building a cleaner, healthier future for Delhi and beyond.

Introduction

Despite efforts by the government to curb farm fires, including imposing fines, the practice has not seen a significant decline in Punjab. In fact, incidents of stubble burning have increased in recent years, contributing to severe air pollution across the region, especially during the winter months. In 2023, the state recorded 119 farm fire cases in just one day​. While 81 cases of stubble burning have been reported in Punjab this Kharif season (which officially starts from September 15th and runs through to November 30th) so far. This signals a persistent challenge for both the environment and the local government.

Why Farmers Resort to Stubble Burning

The key reason farmers resort to burning crop residue is the short window between the harvesting of paddy and the sowing of wheat. Since removing stubble mechanically can be time-consuming and costly, many farmers have no option but to set fire to the remaining straw to prepare the fields quickly for the next crop. Despite the government’s initiatives to ban stubble burning and impose penalties ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹15,000 per incident, enforcement has remained weak​.

Farm unions, too, have opposed the punitive measures. They were arguing that unless a financially viable solution is provided, farmers are left with no option but to continue burning stubble. In the absence of effective alternatives, this practice remains a deeply rooted issue that impacts both the agricultural community and the environment.

Environmental Impact of Farm Fires

The environmental consequences of stubble burning are dire. It contributes significantly to air pollution, releasing harmful gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and particulate matter into the atmosphere. This not only deteriorates air quality but also leads to smog formation, particularly in Delhi and neighbouring regions. In addition, stubble burning depletes the soil of essential nutrients, making land less fertile over time. Despite efforts to curb it, 36,000 incidents of stubble burning reported last year in Punjab​.

The Promise of 2G Ethanol: A Sustainable Solution

One promising solution to the problem of stubble burning lies in the production of 2G ethanol, a biofuel produced from agricultural residues, including rice straw. This second-generation ethanol technology could help address both environmental and economic challenges by converting crop waste into clean energy.

Khaitan Bio Energy is one company that is pioneering this approach, utilizing 2G ethanol technology to convert rice straw—a key crop residue in Punjab—into ethanol. This technology offers a dual advantage: it provides farmers with a financially viable alternative to burning stubble while contributing to India’s renewable energy goals.

How 2G Ethanol Works

2G ethanol, unlike its first-generation counterpart (produced from food crops like sugarcane or corn), is derived from non-food biomass, such as agricultural waste and crop residues. Khaitan BioEnergy’s 2G ethanol technology uses rice straw as the primary raw material, which is abundantly available in Punjab due to extensive paddy farming. The process involves breaking down the lignocellulosic components of the rice straw into fermentable sugars. This are then undergo convertion into ethanol through microbial fermentation.

This waste-to-energy approach not only reduces the environmental burden of stubble burning but also creates an additional revenue stream for farmers. By selling their crop residues to ethanol plants, farmers can offset their operational costs and contribute to the circular economy.

Benefits of 2G Ethanol

Reduction in Air Pollution: 

2G ethanol production directly addresses the issue of air pollution caused by farm fires. By converting rice straw into biofuel, the harmful emissions associated with burning crop residue are eliminated.

Economic Opportunities for Farmers: 

The sale of rice straw to bioenergy plants offers farmers an economic incentive to stop burning their crop residues. This provides a sustainable income while also contributing to a greener environment.

Energy Security and Renewable Energy:

 2G ethanol is a renewable energy source that can help India reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. It also aligns with the country’s goals of achieving 20% ethanol blending by 2025 under the National Biofuel Policy.

Soil Health Preservation: 

By preventing the burning of stubble, 2G ethanol helps maintain soil fertility. Burning depletes essential nutrients from the soil, which can reduce crop yields over time.

Challenges in Implementation

While 2G ethanol offers a promising solution, scaling up its production and adoption requires significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and logistics. There is also a need for government support in the form of incentives and subsidies to encourage farmers to shift from traditional stubble-burning practices to more sustainable alternatives.

Additionally, raising awareness among farmers about the environmental and economic benefits of 2G ethanol is crucial for widespread adoption. Although 27% fewer incidents of farm fires were reported in 2023 compared to 2022, the problem persists, highlighting the need for more robust solutions​.

Conclusion: A Path Forward with 2G Ethanol

Farm fires in Punjab remain a pressing environmental issue, exacerbated by the short harvesting window and limited financially viable alternatives for farmers. However, the emergence of 2G ethanol technology, such as that pioneered by Khaitan Bio Energy, provides a sustainable solution. By converting crop residues like rice straw into biofuels, 2G ethanol addresses both the environmental harm caused by stubble burning and the economic challenges faced by farmers.

The path to a sustainable future requires collaboration between the government, industry, and the farming community. With the right incentives and investment in 2G ethanol production, Punjab could see a significant reduction in farm fires, leading to cleaner air, healthier soil, and a greener energy future.

In the quest for cleaner energy sources, bioethanol has emerged as a significant player. Ethanol is produced by fermenting organic materials and used as a renewable fuel to replace or complement gasoline. However, not all ethanol is the same. Two main types exist: first-generation ethanol (1G) and second-generation ethanol (2G), and they differ in both production methods and environmental impact.

As we strive to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and minimize our dependence on fossil fuels, 2G ethanol is proving to be a more sustainable option. This blog will explore how 2G ethanol stands out, its benefits for the environment, and why it is an ideal choice for the future of renewable fuels.

What Is 1G Ethanol?

It is also known as first-generation ethanol, is produced from sugar- or starch-based crops. The most common crops used for 1G ethanol include corn in the U.S. and sugarcane in Brazil. These crops are rich in easily fermentable sugars, which makes the production process relatively simple.

However, this approach has a major downside: it competes with food production. Corn and sugarcane are essential for feeding large populations, and diverting these crops to fuel production can create food shortages and drive up prices.

What Is 2G Ethanol?

2G ethanol, or second-generation ethanol, uses lignocellulosic biomass — the inedible parts of plants like straw, wood chips, and agricultural residues. It doesn’t rely on food crops but instead utilizes waste materials and non-food plants. By making use of these discarded or low-value materials which would otherwise would’ve been burned in open fields, 2G ethanol offers a much more sustainable solution.

Unlike 1G ethanol, 2G ethanol does not compete with the food chain, addressing one of the primary concerns associated with biofuels. The main feedstocks for 2G ethanol include plant waste, grasses like switchgrass and miscanthus, and other non-edible biomass sources​.

The Environmental Benefits of 2G Ethanol

One of the most significant advantages of 2G ethanol is its greater reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The production of 1G ethanol already offers some benefits compared to traditional fossil fuels, but its GHG emissions are still substantial due to the energy required to grow, harvest, and process food crops.

In contrast, 2G ethanol has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by 88% to 108% compared to gasoline. This impressive reduction is achieved because 2G ethanol uses agricultural waste and non-food plants, which require less intensive farming practices. Moreover, these plants absorb CO₂ while growing, offsetting much of the CO₂ released during its production and combustion.

1G Ethanol’s Limitation: Food vs. Fuel Debate

One of the main criticisms of 1G ethanol is that it diverts essential food crops for fuel. As the global population grows, so does the demand for food. In this context, the large-scale use of food crops like corn or sugarcane to produce biofuel can exacerbate food insecurity.

By using non-food biomass, 2G ethanol bypasses the food vs. fuel debate entirely. The use of agricultural residues, municipal plant waste, and purpose-grown grasses for bioethanol production allows us to continue growing food without interference, while still producing a renewable fuel. This makes 2G ethanol not only more ethical but also more sustainable in the long term​.

The Key to Commercial Success: Lignocellulosic Feedstocks

The primary feedstock for 2G ethanol is lignocellulose, a complex mix of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin found in plant cell walls. These materials are not used for food, making them ideal for its production. While the process to convert lignocellulose into biofuel is more complex and requires advanced technologies, it offers an abundant and renewable source of biomass.

Lignocellulosic feedstocks are available in large quantities as agricultural and forestry residues, or from energy crops grown on marginal land unsuitable for food production. This versatility ensures that 2G ethanol production can be scaled up without compromising food security​.

Why 2G Ethanol Is More Sustainable

One of the biggest advantages of 2G ethanol is its sustainability. By utilizing waste products from agriculture, forestry, and even municipal waste, it makes better use of the materials we already produce. Instead of allowing these waste products to decay and release CO₂ into the atmosphere or burning them, they can be converted into fuel, creating a closed-loop cycle that further reduces emissions.

Moreover, the plants used in 2G ethanol production often require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides compared to traditional crops like corn or sugarcane. This means that producing 2G ethanol has a much smaller environmental footprint, helping to conserve resources and reduce pollution.

Energy Efficiency and Commercialization Potential

In countries like Brazil and USA, which are the two leaders in bioethanol, commercial-scale 2G ethanol plants are already getting set up. And commercialised, however, not without its own challenges. 2G ethanol is a very new and complex technology that is yet to be established. A lot of 2G ethanol plants have shut down due to operational issues. This also includes high investment costs, high production costs and lack of infrastructure. However, technological advancements, manufacturing 2G ethanol can become more viable and ultimately cheaper than even 1G ethanol. 

The process of manufacturing 2G ethanol involves breaking down the tough cellulose fibers in plant walls. This requires several stages of treatment, including pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation. These steps require more energy and specialized enzymes compared to the simpler process of converting sugars from corn or sugarcane​.

The key to commercialization lies in optimizing the process and integrating it with existing 1G ethanol production facilities. By using the byproducts from 1G ethanol production (such as bagasse from sugarcane), 2G ethanol can piggyback on existing infrastructure, reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Conclusion: The Future of Ethanol Is 2G

As the world moves toward cleaner energy solutions, 2G ethanol is proving to be a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional 1G ethanol. It has the ability to reduce GHG emissions by up to 108%. Its reliance on waste products, and its avoidance of the food chain. Thus 2G ethanol has a significant advantage in the battle against climate change.

While challenges remain in scaling up production and making the process more efficient, the future of biofuels is clear. Second-generation ethanol will play a crucial role in shaping a cleaner, greener energy sector. Governments and industries are already recognizing this. And with continued innovation, 2G ethanol could soon become a major player in the global energy market.

Introduction

India is on a path to transforming its energy landscape by embracing biofuels as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. As the country seeks to reduce its dependence on imported oil and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, biofuels, particularly ethanol, are becoming a key part of this strategy. However, as India pursues its biofuel ambitions. It faces significant challenges, especially when it comes to sourcing the feedstock needed to produce ethanol. One of the most pressing concerns is the “fuel vs. food” debate, . This raises questions about the sustainability of using food crops for fuel production. Fortunately, advancements in second-generation (2G) ethanol offer a promising solution that could help India overcome these challenges.

 The Fuel vs. Food Debate: A Complex Challenge

Ethanol, a type of biofuel, is primarily produced from crops like sugarcane, corn, and other food grains. In India, sugarcane is the main source of ethanol. While this has helped India make progress in its ethanol blending targets. It has also sparked concerns about the impact on food security. The “fuel vs. food” debate centres around the ethical dilemma of using valuable food crops to produce fuel instead of feeding the population.

In a country like India, where agriculture is the backbone of the economy. A significant portion of the population depends on it for their livelihood, diverting food crops to produce fuel can have serious implications. It can lead to higher food prices, reduced availability of essential food items. Also strain on agricultural resources like water and land. This is particularly concerning given that India is home to a large and growing population that needs access to affordable food.

India is making solid progress towards its goal of mixing 20% ethanol with petrol by 2025-26. This is based on the blending milestones achieved so far and the boost in ethanol production capacity. Still, the debate over food versus fuel is a hot topic in the ethanol sector, especially with recent developments. For instance, maize imports have surged from April to June this year compared to last year. As more maize is being used to produce fuel ethanol due to limits on sugarcane usage. However, industry experts believe that India has plenty of grain and sugar reserves. 

Enter 2G Ethanol: A Sustainable Alternative

Second-generation (2G) ethanol presents a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by first-generation (1G) ethanol. This is derived from food crops. 2G ethanol is produced from non-food biomass, such as agricultural residues . It includes straw, husks, and stalks. Also forestry waste, and other organic materials that are not part of the food chain. This means that 2G ethanol production does not compete with food production. Thus making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.

In 2018-19, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) ran some tests on BS-III and BS-VI buses. This is done to check out how they performed, their emissions, and how durable they were when using ethanol-blended diesel. After 500 hours of testing, they didn’t encounter any significant issues. Also they noticed that the fuel consumption was a bit less compared to regular gasoline.

In addition to avoiding the fuel vs. food conflict, 2G ethanol has other significant benefits. One of the major advantages is its potential to reduce pollution. In India, agricultural residues are often burned in the open, leading to severe air pollution, particularly in North India. By converting these residues into ethanol, 2G technology not only helps in reducing the environmental impact of crop residue burning. But also provides farmers with additional income.

The Growing Demand for Ethanol: Blending with Diesel

India’s ethanol blending program primarily focuses on blending ethanol with petrol. However, the government is now exploring the possibility of blending ethanol with diesel as well. There are plans to introduce a 5% ethanol blend in diesel, which could significantly increase the demand for ethanol. Diesel is widely used in India, particularly in the transportation and agricultural sectors, so even a small percentage blend can lead to a substantial increase in ethanol consumption.

While this move is a step forward in reducing India’s carbon footprint, it also presents a challenge. That is meeting the growing demand for ethanol. Currently, India’s ethanol production relies heavily on sugarcane. This may not be sufficient to meet the needs of both petrol and diesel blending programs. This is where 2G ethanol becomes essential. By utilising biomass and agricultural waste, 2G ethanol can help bridge the gap between supply and demand. Therefore ensuring that India can meet its biofuel targets without compromising food security.

India’s Strategy: Expanding 2G Ethanol Production

Recognizing the importance of 2G ethanol, the Indian government has taken steps to promote its production. Several 2G ethanol plants are being set up across the country, supported by both government and private sector investments. These plants will use advanced technologies to convert agricultural residues and other non-food biomass into ethanol, providing a steady supply of biofuel while also supporting the agricultural economy.

The government has also introduced policies and incentives to encourage the use of 2G ethanol. For instance, it has set a target to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025 and is pushing for greater adoption of 2G ethanol to meet this target. Additionally, efforts are being made to streamline the supply chain for biomass collection and processing, ensuring that the raw materials needed for 2G ethanol production are readily available.

Boosting the growth of 2G biofuels is going to take a team effort from everyone involved in the feedstock supply chain. It’s time for policymakers to step up and create proactive strategies to tackle the specific issues we’ve discussed. To kick things off, establishing a clear national goal for 2G biofuels could really spark some positive and coordinated actions among various stakeholders. For example, the Central Government could update its ethanol roadmap and include a specific percentage of 2G biofuels in the blending target for 2025. Plus, we should also set targets for other biofuels like compressed biogas and sustainable aviation fuel to make the most of the tech advancements happening in the country.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Path Forward

India’s journey towards a sustainable energy future is marked by both challenges and opportunities. The transition to biofuels, particularly ethanol, is a crucial part of this journey, but it must be done in a way that balances the need for energy with the need for food security. The “fuel vs. food” debate highlights the complexities of this transition, but advancements in 2G ethanol offer a promising way forward.

By focusing on 2G ethanol, India can unlock its biofuel potential while addressing the feedstock challenges that come with it. This approach not only avoids the pitfalls of using food crops for fuel but also helps reduce pollution and supports the agricultural sector. As India moves towards blending ethanol with both petrol and diesel, the role of 2G ethanol will become increasingly important. With the right policies, investments, and technological advancements, India can achieve its biofuel goals in a way that is both sustainable and inclusive.