India’s ambitious targets of achieving 500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070 heavily hinge on the rapid, large-scale deployment of bio-energy, according to Shripad Naik, Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy.
Speaking on the second day of the International Conference on Bio-energy and Technologies’ (IBET) ‘Transition to Net Zero’ session at Yashobhoomi, the Minister stressed the unique potential of bio-energy to be a pillar of energy security, create rural jobs, and drive climate action.
A message conveyed via video conference at IBET 2025 from Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, reaffirmed the commitment to the 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity goal, confirming that as of September 2025, India has already installed 251.5 GW of this capacity.
Bio-energy, Naik explained, is the critical missing links that can help India achieve its clean energy transition while simultaneously empowering its vast agricultural sector. By converting surplus agricultural residue, animal dung, and municipal waste into energy, the sector embodies a true ‘waste-to-wealth’ model, effectively turning farmers from traditional food providers (Annadata) into energy providers (Urjadata).
The Minister highlighted the remarkable progress already achieved under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He stated that India has already surpassed one of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets years ahead of schedule.
“Currently, 50 per cent of country’s installed power capacity now comes from non-fossil fuel sources, placing India among the top renewable energy markets globally. Despite this early success, he cautioned that this momentum must be scaled up significantly. He underscored, “Reaching 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 and net zero by 2070 requires bio-energy to play its full role.”
The Minister specifically urged policymakers, industries, innovators, and farmers to immediately scale up technologies, strengthen research and development (R&D), and ensure fair and robust biomass supply chains.
The core message from the conference was that bio-energy represents more than just a climate solution; it is a model for inclusive and sustainable growth. Investing in biogas and biomass projects directly empowers rural communities, Naik stated.
“By supporting these projects, we provide clean cooking solutions, involve women in sustainable livelihoods, and turn agricultural residues and waste into both energy and income.”
To accelerate this national transformation, the Government of India has launched a series of flagship initiatives. These include the National Bio-energy Programme, the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme, the Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-Dhan) initiative, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and the SAMARTH Mission.
These programmes are designed to drive massive investment, foster innovation, and fast-track the adoption of bio-energy across the country. The Minister also noted India’s leading role internationally, actively engaging with BRICS, ASEAN, and the Global Biofuel Alliance, positioning the nation as a global hub for sustainable biofuels.
The conference also detailed the immense environmental benefits of advanced biofuels. Dr. SSV Ramakumar, Chairperson of IFGE (Sustainable Aviation Fuel Forum), discussed the significant carbon reduction potential of next-generation ethanol. He pointed out that while first-generation ethanol reduces the carbon footprint from 94 CO2 equivalents per megajoule to 55, “with second-generation ethanol, the carbon footprint will come down to below 20 CO2 equivalent per megajoule of energy.” This vastly increases its power in achieving net-zero goals. The second day of the conference also featured the release of the 3rd Edition of the IFGE Magazine, Bharat Bioenergy Horizon.