Biotechnology has an estimated economic potential of $4 trillion per year, India is poised to capitalize on this opportunity, ET EnergyWorld

New Delhi: Novonesis, taking decisive steps towards India achieving its 2050 climate goals, aims to play a key role in the country’s drive to achieve net zero emissions. It is estimated that the biotech sector alone could help remove three gigatonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually by 2030.

This significant potential reduction is comparable to India’s total annual emissions, marking a significant step towards global climate action. In an interview with ET Energyworld, Ester Baiget, President and CEO of Novonesis, explained the strategic moves and collaborations to propel India towards a greener future.

The biotechnology sector, led by companies like Novonesis, is expected to unlock a direct economic impact of $4 trillion per year over the next 10 to 20 years, in key sectors such as agriculture, consumer products, and energy production. This forecast is not just a number—it defines the scale of transformation that bioenergy solutions can bring to global economies, particularly through innovations in sustainability and energy efficiency.

In 2022 alone, Novonesis’ bioenergy solutions contributed to reducing global carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to removing 65 million cars from the road. This feat highlights the tangible impact of the transition from conventional fossil fuels to bioenergy solutions. The company’s biofuels, particularly bioethanol derived from biomass, are positioned as viable replacements for conventional fuel sources, reflecting a significant energy paradigm shift.

“More than 90% of our revenue comes from bio-based solutions that promote sustainable development in key sectors such as agriculture, food production and healthcare,” Baiget said. These solutions are an integral part of Novonesis’ strategy to make global ecosystems more efficient and sustainable.

Integrating bioenergy into the national energy strategy is in line with the Government of India’s vision to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This strategic alignment is expected to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy sources, facilitating India’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Novonesis is actively engaging with stakeholders across the value chain—from farmers to federal policymakers—to implement effective solutions that enhance sustainability while increasing economic efficiency.

Krishna Mohan Puvvada, regional president, MEIA, Novonesis, noted the company’s instrumental role in the transition of the Indian bioenergy sector to more advanced bioethanol production technologies. “We are focused on further strengthening our first-generation (1G) portfolio, while also increasing our role in second-generation (2G) bioethanol production, leveraging technological advances and collaborations that increase production efficiency,” Puvvada explained.

Novonesis’ pioneering research in biofuels transforms the promise of biomass into tangible, clean energy solutions. Our integrated solutions enable bioenergy producers to access the latest innovations, thereby becoming competitive, efficient and above all sustainable. Through collaboration, we nurture an ecosystem that thrives on innovation and commitment to a green future. Our commitment goes beyond research, as we continue to work closely with technology providers, ethanol producers and oil marketers to strengthen the biofuel ecosystem. Our goal is clear: to significantly contribute to India’s energy security and the global drive for sustainable development,” added Puvvada.

Reflecting on the company’s commitment to India, Baiget revealed that Novonesis has invested around ₹3,000 crore over the years to enhance its application development, research capabilities and strengthen its market presence in the country. This investment is part of a broader strategy to develop sustainable solutions that can address the needs of not only India but the world.

Novonesis is all set to revolutionize the biofuel industry in India with the introduction of Cellic, an advanced enzyme technology specifically tailored for the conversion of rice straw to ethanol. This innovative product promises to increase the efficiency of 2G rice straw to ethanol plants, significantly reducing enzyme costs by up to 15%. Complementing this breakthrough is the 2G C5/C6 converter yeast technology, Cellerity S 1.0, which ensures seamless integration with the bioconversion process. Novonesis is committed to fostering long-term partnerships, offering this cutting-edge solution exclusively to strategic end-customers in India, backed by a multi-year enzyme supply guarantee. This strategic move not only underscores Novonesis’ commitment to sustainability but also its commitment to supporting India’s energy independence goals.

In addition, Novonesis has set ambitious climate goals that target a 75% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 35% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, compared to a 2018 baseline. These goals are an integral part of the company’s global strategy to mitigate environmental impacts and align with broader climate action initiatives.

As India continues to refine its sustainability framework, the involvement of entities like Novonesis becomes crucial. By promoting the adoption of innovative bio-based technologies and fostering collaboration across sectors, Novonesis is not only helping in the global fight against climate change but also setting benchmarks in the bioenergy sector that demonstrate how economic growth and environmental protection can be seamlessly integrated. This approach positions Novonesis as a key player in transforming energy strategies for a sustainable future, both in India and globally.