Blog: A Comprehensive Approach To Tackling Delhi's Air Pollution: Embracing E-Vehicles And BiofuelsThe battle against air pollution in Delhi has reached a critical juncture, prompting the government to implement stringent measures targeting polluting vehicles. This includes the ban on petrol and diesel vehicles older than 15 and 10 years, respectively, along with a robust drive to promote electric vehicles (EVs). While the EV push is commendable, it faces challenges, necessitating a multifaceted approach to address Delhi’s pollution crisis.
Challenges in EV Adoption:
The attainment of the ambitious goal of having 30% of newly registered private cars as electric by 2030 is noted to pose a significant challenge. The consumer-driven vehicle market demands acceptability and desirability, and hurdles include affordability concerns due to high battery costs, limited battery manufacturing facilities, inconsistent policy frameworks, and challenges in establishing charging infrastructure, particularly in urban areas like Delhi.
The Need for a Graded Approach:
Experts emphasise the importance of a graded implementation of EVs, acknowledging the need for simultaneous exploration of alternative solutions to combat air pollution.
Biofuels as a Viable Alternative:
One such alternative is the substitution of fossil fuels with biofuels. Not only do biofuels address environmental concerns, but they also present a more affordable option compared to the rapid adoption of EVs. Biofuels, derived from renewable sources, offer sustainable production and usage, eliminating the expiration date associated with fossil fuels.
Benefits of Biofuels:
Ethanol-based biofuels, produced domestically on a large scale, can significantly reduce overall costs, decrease reliance on oil imports, and enhance the country’s resilience against global oil and gas supply disruptions. Further, biofuels generated from waste and farm residue have the potential to revitalise the rural economy, providing an additional income source for farmers.
Government Initiatives and Achievements:
Recent government efforts to promote biofuel production are yielding positive results. The target of achieving 10% ethanol blending by 2022 was comfortably met, leading to substantial savings in foreign exchange outflows.
To effectively combat air pollution and vehicular emissions, a dual strategy is essential. This involves a pragmatic introduction of EVs on roads, coupled with necessary changes in building bye-laws to mandate charging infrastructure for large real estate projects. Simultaneously, there should be a concerted effort to promote the increased use of biofuels, ultimately phasing out conventional polluting fuels. These measures require proactive policy interventions, investments in infrastructure, and research and development to align with India’s net-zero and decarbonisation goals.