1st supply of Used Cooking Oil-based Biodiesel

​Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas flagged off the first supply of UCO (Used Cooking Oil) based Biodiesel blended Diesel. This is a landmark in India’s pursuance of Biofuels and will have a positive impact on the environment. This initiative will garner substantial economic benefits for the nation by shoring up indigenous Biodiesel supply, reducing import dependence, and generating rural employment.

About Biodiesel 
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel, similar to conventional or ‘fossil’ diesel. It can be produced from vegetable oils, animal fats and waste cooking oil. A significant advantage of Biodiesel is its carbon-neutrality, i.e. the oilseed absorbs the same amount of CO2 as is released when the fuel is combusted in a vehicle. Also, Biodiesel is rapidly biodegradable and completely non-toxic. 

1. 1st generation biofuels - First-generation biofuels are made from sugar, starch, vegetable oil, or animal fats using conventional technology. 
2. 2nd generation biofuels - These are produced from non-food crops, such as cellulosic biofuels and waste biomass (stalks of wheat and corn, and wood). 
3. 3rd generation biofuels  - These are produced from micro-organisms like algae.
4. 4th generation biofuels  -  uses genetically modified (GM) algae to enhance biofuel production. 

Sources :  PIB