Advanced biofuels derived from agricultural residues achieve energy security, says Pathak
As India accelerates its transition towards cleaner energy sources and circular economy-driven industrial growth, the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), has extended support to Greenjoules Private Limited, Pune, for its project titled “Manufacturing of 2nd Generation Diesel Equivalent Biofuel”.
The project aims to establish a commercial-scale facility for the production of advanced biofuels derived from agricultural waste and agro-processing residues, contributing to India’s energy security, waste-to-wealth mission, and net-zero aspirations, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on 5 June.
The proposed project involves setting up a greenfield manufacturing facility for the production of Abhilasha Biofuels (ABF)—a next-generation renewable diesel and naphtha alternative developed entirely through indigenous technology. Designed as a “drop-in” fuel, ABF can directly replace conventional fossil-based diesel without requiring any modifications to existing engines, fuel systems, or distribution infrastructure, making it a practical and scalable solution for decarbonizing transportation and industrial energy consumption.
Developed entirely in India, the technology integrates innovative thermo-chemical conversion processes that transform agricultural residues and agro-industrial waste into high-quality renewable fuels. The process combines thermal cracking, catalytic upgrading, and downstream refining technologies to produce biofuels that meet established quality specifications comparable to their fossil-derived counterparts. The fuel has already been successfully produced from nearly forty different feedstocks, demonstrating remarkable flexibility and adaptability to India’s diverse biomass resources.
A distinctive feature of the technology lies in Greenjoules’ proprietary expertise in identifying optimal biomass blends and matching them with customized catalyst systems to maximize fuel yields and production efficiency. While individual process steps are known industrial practices, the company’s unique integration of feedstock selection, catalyst optimization, and process engineering constitutes its core intellectual property and enables commercially viable production of advanced biofuels from low-value agricultural waste.
The project will further enhance the company’s capabilities in producing renewable diesel, renewable naphtha, biochar, and gaseous fuels, creating a comprehensive waste-to-energy ecosystem. By converting agricultural residues that are often burned or discarded into valuable energy products, the technology addresses multiple national priorities simultaneously, including reduction of stubble burning, promotion of clean energy, strengthening of rural value chains, and lowering dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The initiative aligns closely with the Government of India’s National Biofuel Policy, circular economy objectives, and broader efforts to promote sustainable industrial development through indigenous technologies. It also supports the country’s vision of creating robust domestic capabilities in advanced biofuels and alternative energy solutions.
Speaking on the occasion, TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak stated, “Advanced biofuels derived from agricultural residues represent a critical pathway towards achieving energy security, environmental sustainability, and rural economic development. Indigenous technologies that convert waste into high-value fuels not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also create new opportunities within the circular economy. Such innovations can play an important role in supplementing the country’s growing energy requirements and reducing reliance on imported crude oil and petroleum products. TDB is committed to supporting technologies that strengthen India’s clean energy ecosystem while delivering tangible economic, environmental, and strategic benefits.”
Expressing gratitude for the support, the leadership of Greenjoules Private Limited stated that the assistance would help accelerate the commercialization and scale-up of its indigenous biofuel technology, enabling wider deployment of sustainable fuel solutions across industrial and transportation sectors. The company emphasized that the project represents an important step towards building a cleaner, self-reliant, and energy-secure future for India. Fiinews.com
