Energetica India Magazine March 2022

Adoption of alternate fuels in energy intensive industries 46 energetica INDIA- Mar_2022 In the recent years, there has been a significant uptick in the use of clean energy sources for power generation. Alternative fuel sources like solar pow - er, wind, bioenergy, etc. are gaining traction given lower cost, hassle free access to energy and also benefit the environment. However, one cannot disregard the fact that fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas still continue to be the predominant source of energy across the world. While they are used rampantly, their finite nature, high prices and most significantly, their harmful effect on the environment are pushing more energy intensive in - dustries to look at adopting alternate sources in a phased manner. While so - lar and wind energy are a great way to reduce dependence on electricity bio-fuel is a convenient alternative for industries that use high amount of die - sel, coal etc. for purposes of cooking or generating thermal power. Bio-fuel is emerging as a new way for industries to incorporate a clean energy alterna - tive in their energy mix. Moreover, the recent announcement by the Finance Bio-fuel is emerging as a new way for industries to incorporate a clean energy alternative in their energy mix. Moreover, the recent announcement by the Finance Minister to include 5% of biomass pellets in thermal power plants is a move in the right direction and an indication for other industries as well. Minister to include 5% of biomass pel - lets in thermal power plants is a move in the right direction and an indication for other industries as well. Here are some benefits of using alternate fuels that can help businesses not only be - come sustainable but also be a more responsible corporate. Alternative Fuel Sources Are More Cost-Efficient Alternative fuel sources can save a busi - ness up to 40% of costs as compared to traditional fuel sources. Companies can adopt solar energy, wind energy, bioenergy and other forms of renew - able energy to power their operations. Bio-energy is one of the upcoming form of renewable energy used as al - ternate fuel which can reduce cost but also addresses the issue of agricultural waste management. A number of busi - nesses across sectors like hospitality, manufacturing have become cognizant of this fact and have started adopting bio-fuel. Interestingly, this has led to not only environmental benefits for businesses but also led to commercial savings, making the adoption of bio - energy a smart and sustainable choice. Reduced Emissions Alternative sources of energy are not as harmful as they are cleaner sources of energy. Low emissions is the key for moving forward as they help prevent global warming and safeguard the en - vironment. Conventional sources of power cause pollution, hence lowering these emissions will reduce your carbon footprint. With sustainability becom - ing a key criteria for investors, compa - nies are looking at more clean energy option across their operations. Adding value to farmers Bio-energy is produced from agricul - tural waste that is generally burnt causing high pollution in adjoining areas. Production of bio-energy itself addresses the issue of stubble burn - ing and at the same time adds income source for farmers who would other - Swapnil Kardile CEO, Rajaram Bioenergy BIOENERGY