Speaking at SIAM’s 3rd International Symposium for Thriving Eco-Energy in Mobility, held at Bharat Mandapam, Maruti Suzuki’s Managing Director and CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi, stressed the importance of adopting a diverse range of energy technologies to address carbon emissions and reduce India’s dependence on imported oil. Takeuchi highlighted that the integration of biofuels, including ethanol and compressed biogas (CBG), could significantly contribute to India's energy security, environmental goals, and rural economic development.

Biofuels: A Solution for Energy Security and Rural Growth

Takeuchi pointed out that India's abundant agricultural and livestock resources position the country uniquely to produce biofuels like ethanol and CBG. "Biofuels can not only mitigate emissions but also strengthen energy security while driving job creation in rural areas," he stated. He emphasised the transformative potential of biofuels, underscoring their ability to simultaneously address environmental concerns and provide economic benefits.

CBG: Turning Livestock Resources into Green Energy

Highlighting the remarkable potential of CBG, Takeuchi provided a compelling example: “The cow dung from 10 cows in a single day can fuel a car running on CBG for an entire day. With India’s 300 million cows, this resource could be a game-changer for sustainable mobility.” Takeuchi also underscored the ease of integrating CBG into existing systems, noting that it can be seamlessly blended with compressed natural gas (CNG), eliminating the need for additional infrastructure.

Scaling Up CBG Production

Currently, Maruti Suzuki operates 115 CBG production plants, with several more under development. Takeuchi remarked that India’s expanding CNG infrastructure presents a unique opportunity to incorporate CBG, enhancing the accessibility and viability of this green energy solution.

The Road Ahead

As India accelerates its journey toward sustainable energy solutions, Maruti Suzuki’s focus on biofuels and CBG reflects a commitment to innovation and eco-conscious mobility. By leveraging the country’s vast natural resources, these technologies offer a pathway to cleaner energy, reduced emissions, and robust economic growth in rural areas.