Que: Can you share the inspiration behind the founding of the company and its core mission?

Ans: We observed that the rural side of the bioenergy supply chain was relatively weak, unorganised, and consisted of many farmers who lacked awareness about the choices available to them. We believed that technology infusion and digitalisation could help create a more organised and reliable supply chain. That was our motivation and the driving force behind our initiative.

Que: Could you elaborate on how BiofuelCircle's digital platform facilitates the bioenergy supply chain?

Ans: The bioenergy supply chain begins with the farmer. At the end of every season, the farmer needs to decide what to do with the biomass left in the field. This is where the bioenergy supply chain starts.

BiofuelCircle’s platform provides them with several options. Firstly, it offers a solution for clearing their fields.

Secondly, instead of paying someone to remove the biomass, they actually get paid for it. Thirdly, it creates a network of tractor drivers in rural areas, enabling them to earn additional income by transporting biomass from fields to our storage facilities.

Furthermore, the platform generates rural employment through storage operations. This digitally enabled ecosystem connects farmers to bioenergy companies, ensuring a seamless and efficient supply chain.

Que: How does the company engage with farmers to integrate them into the bio supply chain?

Ans: Whenever we enter a new area, we typically conduct Gram Sabhas to educate farmers on how they can participate in the bioenergy supply chain and what benefits it offers them. This is the starting point of engagement.

Once they join us, we provide ongoing support through our digital platform, myBiofuelCircle, which enables them to learn more and share their experiences. This ensures continuous engagement, combining both physical and digital interactions to integrate farmers effectively into the supply chain.

Que: BiofuelCircle has been scaling up rural infrastructure in different states, could you provide more details about this and any future expansion plans?

Ans: We are currently present in seven states across India—Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Goa. By the end of 2025, we plan to expand to three more states: Karnataka, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh, taking our presence to a total of ten states. For eg, we recently developed a robust supply chain in Nagpur comprising three biomass banks, which will serve around 6,000 farmers in the region. These farmers will have the opportunity to benefit from participating in the bioenergy supply chain.

Que: What challenges do you face in the bioenergy sector, and how are you addressing them?

Ans: The primary challenges in the bioenergy sector are infrastructure and the cost of logistics. We are tackling these by investing in infrastructure ourselves and ensuring its efficient utilisation. By optimising logistics, we aim to reduce costs, making it more viable for bioenergy companies to set up plants. This, in turn, strengthens the overall sector and enhances its sustainability.

Que: What role do events like India Energy Week (IEW) play in fostering collaboration within the industry?

Ans: As this sector is still in its early stages, industry events like IEW play a crucial role. They facilitate technology partnerships, encourage knowledge sharing, and help establish benchmarks. Additionally, these platforms offer valuable insights into the latest advancements in both Indian and global bioenergy sectors, fostering collaboration and innovation.