India’s potential in the sphere of bioenergy was highlighted during India Energy Week 2025.

What is Bioenergy? 

• Bioenergy is a source of energy from the organic material that makes up plants, known as biomass. 
• Biomass is material of biological origin, for example wood, dung or charcoal. 
• Key Categories: 
  • Traditional bioenergy: Refers to the combustion of biomass in such forms as wood, animal waste etc. 
  • Modern bioenergy: Include liquid biofuels, biogas, etc.

India’s Status 

• Energy Mix Contribution: Modern bioenergy accounts for 13% of total energy, projected 45% growth (2023-2030).
  • India will account for more than a third of global bioenergy demand growth.
• Key driving factor: Annual Biomass production in the Country is around 750 MMT
• Key Targets for using Bioenergy
  • 20% ethanol blending (by 2025/26) and 5% biodiesel blending (by 2030) 
  • 5% Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) blending requirement (by 2028/29).

Key challenges: Inadequate feedstock supply (fuel reliability and quality), Lack of public data on biomass availability across geographies, Limited storage options, etc.

Measures Required: Develop centralised and comprehensive feedstock assessment, Establish a centralised registry to track CBG production, Setting technical standards For biogas and biomethane facilities, etc.