There are continuing concerns over economic and environmental developments in many countries - some of these have intensified due to prolonged global energy, food and financial crises. In this context, “green economy” was proposed as a means for catalysing renewed national policy development and international cooperation and support for sustainable development. However, there is still a lack of clarity around what “green economy policy” encompasses and how it integrates with national and sub-national priorities and objectives relating to economic growth and poverty eradication.

With deteriorating air quality, there is a need to promote public transportation. The shift from conventional diesel buses to electric buses holds several benefits. Electric buses can play a positive role by reducing local pollution, noise and fuel consumption. However, it currently faces many challenges with respect to cost and safety concerns. These challenges can, however, be addressed by a good Battery Management System (BMS), rigorous implementation of standard operating procedures and customisation of bus fleet.

Biofuels are produced from renewable biological sources and have been considered as viable alternatives to fossil fuels. The National Policy on Biofuels has set a target of 20% blending of biofuels, both for bio-diesel and bioethanol by 2017. However, India achieved an average blending rate of close to 5% (ethanol blended with gasoline) for the first time only in 2016. This report discusses the various challenges and opportunities associated with ethanol blending in India. The report also summarises the best practices across the globe.