BioFuelCircle Unites Stakeholders in the Bioenergy Supply Chain
BiofuelCircle is a world of enhanced and digitally-driven bioenergy supply chain in India. Through this cloud-based marketplace, it not only seeks to address all the challenges related to the bioenergy supply chain but also make a positive impact on the economy, community, and the environment around us. During an interaction with Vidushi, Ashwin Save, Co-founder & COO, BiofuelCircle how the company stands as a trailblazer, introducing a unique online marketplace in India exclusively dedicated to biomass and biofuels.
1. Can you elaborate on the role of technology, specifically AI and IoT, in overcoming technological limitations associated with the large-scale adoption of biofuels in manufacturing industries?
BiofuelCircle is a digital platform that seamlessly connects buyers and sellers within the biofuel supply chain. The platform caters to a diverse range of enterprises, both small and large, providing a comprehensive architecture for participants to engage with. Users benefit from a variety of parameters when making buying or selling decisions, such as the type of commodity/agri-residue, preferred distance for transactions, quality specifications, and pricing considerations. Central to the platform is Prakriti, an AI-powered tool serving as a green decision enabler. This Virtual Assistant employs AI/ML capabilities to analyze platform data, offering tailored recommendations, advice, and assistance to participants, ensuring optimal matches, and facilitating efficient transactions.
2. What innovative approaches has BioFuelCircle implemented to integrate AI and IoT solutions into the supply chain of agro-residues, contributing to India’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070?
Within the sector, a significant challenge arises from the limited market access for farmers and small business owners. However, the advent of digital technology addresses this issue by creating a level playing field and providing widespread access to information on prices and market trends. This technological advancement not only empowers industries and business owners but also facilitates increased deal-making confidence, as the platform assumes responsibility for delivery, payment, and essential verifications. Moreover, the platform opens up new financial opportunities by improving access to credit. Notably, its greatest value lies in enabling green traceability and green credits, acting as a catalyst for India’s transition towards sustainability.
3. Could you provide insights into how BioFuelCircle’s technology addresses the issue of stubble burning through a participative and inclusive model of Green Aggregation?
Agricultural waste is extremely voluminous and has a relatively low density. If burnt, it produces a large amount of smoke because of its high moisture content and has a very low calorific value. This makes it very difficult to transport because of its bulky nature and a very poor and highly polluting fuel if used directly in its raw form.
Furthermore, typical landholdings for farmers in India are fragmented and crop cycles vary across the country. This further complicates the transportation from the fields and makes the sourcing of agricultural waste of consistent quantity and quality a major challenge.
Technology and knowledge for biomass production is yet to percolate fully into the Indian hinterland, and this means that most of the processing of raw waste happens away from the fields in semi-urban areas. This increases the costs of transportation, and the farmer gets little or no value for the waste produced in his farms. This disincentivizes the farmer’s efforts and makes it unviable for long term adoption.
If this enrichment of agri-waste into biomass-based fuel happens closer to the source (fields), the transportation expenditure is substantially curtailed. Through focussed initiatives enabled through digital mechanisms such as BiofuelCircle’s Biomass Bank, farmers can gain access to the requisite knowledge, technology, and consumers, and set up agri-waste processing units in the rural areas themselves close to their fields. Such activities will significantly enhance the market value of the waste, which will now be sold as biomass.
Digital platforms such as BiofuelCircle’s Biomass Banks can address these aspects by injecting value to the entire value chain. A participative model that engages producers (farmers), service providers (tractor owners), and rural enterprises (storage and briquette makers) can potentially create a rewarding ecosystem in rural areas. Digitalisation in this case is not only bringing these participants together but also creating a dynamic marketplace that could help invigorate the local rural economy. By equipping farmers with the resources to add substantially to their yearly revenues through agricultural waste processing, encouraging the creation of a robust supply chain for the sector, and linking producers with buyers eager to meet their renewable purchase obligations (RPO), an economically viable and sustainable long-term market will emerge which will ensure consistent growth for biomass uptake in the country.
4. How does BioFuelCircle’s cloud platform contribute to making a positive impact on the economy, community, and the environment within the biofuel industry?
In India, the prevalence of small and scattered farms poses a mechanization challenge, resulting in inefficient waste disposal practices. The convenience and cost-effectiveness of burning waste lead many farmers to resort to ‘on-farm’ burning, commonly known as stubble burning, which has become an annual occurrence. Agri residue production, predominantly in rural areas, presents an opportunity for biomass generation in rural markets. However, the lack of connectivity between farmers and the industry leaves significant gaps unaddressed.
BioFuelCircle has taken a proactive step in bridging this gap through an innovative cloud-based digital platform. Our platform serves as a digital marketplace connecting buyers and sellers, primarily farmers. By extending their reach, providing crucial decision-making tools, offering transparent price information, ensuring equal access for all stakeholders, and managing transport and logistics complexities, we aim to revolutionize the bioenergy supply chain. Currently working directly with over 6,500 farmers in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, we are committed to driving the Farm-to-Fuel concept.
With advanced digital technology and a well-structured physical ecosystem, BioFuelCircle strives to unite stakeholders in the bioenergy supply chain across diverse regions of India. Our cloud-based marketplace not only tackles challenges related to the bioenergy supply chain but also aims to make a positive impact on the economy, community, and the environment.
5. Can you share details about the BioFuelCircle Farm to Fuel Concept and how AI and IoT play a pivotal role in harnessing the power of data and connectivity to revolutionize farming practices for biofuel production?
BiofuelCircle stands as a trailblazer, introducing a unique online marketplace in India exclusively dedicated to biomass and biofuels. This pioneering platform seamlessly integrates cutting-edge digital technology with a well-organized physical ecosystem, bringing together stakeholders from different regions within India’s bioenergy supply chain. Our initiative goes beyond fostering business growth; it cultivates new opportunities within the Farm-to-Fuel sector, promoting a circular economy for agri-waste, empowering rural communities, and actively contributing to carbon emissions reduction.
At the operational level, numerous companies are adopting solid biofuels as a sustainable alternative to coal. Industries spanning food, pharmaceuticals, dairy, paint, rubber, and tires traditionally rely on steam generated by burning coal. However, with a growing commitment to carbon neutrality, companies are seeking alternatives. BiofuelCircle plays a crucial role in aiding these companies in transitioning from coal to briquettes and pellets, essentially bio-coal derived from agricultural residue.
In this landscape, farmers play a pivotal role as primary producers of raw materials for biofuels. Meanwhile, entities in the middle of the supply chain are responsible for transforming agri-residue into valuable biofuels, like briquettes and pellets. This specific niche market is the focus of BiofuelCircle, facilitating the transition toward eco-friendly and sustainable energy solutions.
