The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) was launched on September 9, 2023, by PM Narendra Modi during the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

GBA is a multi-stakeholder alliance that brings together governments, international organizations, and industry. It aims to position biofuels as a key solution to the global energy transition and contribute to socio-economic growth. The Alliance is committed to advancing the development and deployment of biofuels worldwide by uniting the largest consumers and producers in this crucial initiative.

GBA aims to accelerate the global uptake of biofuels by facilitating capacity-building exercises across the biofuel value chain, providing technical support for national biofuel programs, promoting the sharing of policy lessons and technological advancements, and encouraging the utilization of sustainable biofuels through the participation of diverse stakeholders. It intends to act as a knowledge and expert hub, serving as a catalytic platform to foster global collaboration for the advancement and widespread adoption of biofuels.

GBA aims to make a significant impact by accelerating biofuels adoption in countries with existing biofuel targets and encouraging countries without biofuel targets to adopt biofuels. Supported by a multi-stakeholder approach, the alliance aims to ensure comprehensive and inclusive progress in the biofuels sector.

As of August 26, 2025, GBA members were: Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Dominican Republic, Eswatini, Fiji, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, Netherlands, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, UAE, Uganda, Tanzania, Trinidad-Tobago, and the US.

The membership also includes 14 international organizations such as the Asian Development Bank, World Economic Forum, International Energy Agency, International Renewable Energy Agency, World Bank, UNIDO, and World Biogas Association.

GBA has significantly enhanced its presence on the global pedestal by representation at international forums such as COP28 (Dubai), World Economic Forum (Switzerland), India Energy Week 2024 and World Biogas Summit 2024 (UK). GBA was also invited as an International Organization to the Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting under the G20 presidency of Brazil and at International Forum on Sustainable Biofuels under the Italian G7 Presidency.

GBA aims at providing additional opportunities to Indian industries by positioning India as a knowledge base and as a production hub for biofuels including ethanol, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and Compressed Biogas, etc. An active role in GBA will help elevate India’s position in the global biofuels sector.

The Main Objectives of GBA

·      Accelerate adoption of biofuels: Facilitate global uptake by supporting policy development, technology transfer, and capacity-building programs, especially in emerging economies.

·      Enhance sustainability standards: Develop and promote international standards and guidelines to ensure biofuels meet high environmental and social benchmarks globally, addressing concerns such as Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) and food vs fuel.

·      Foster global cooperation: Bring together major producers and consumers (like the US, Brazil, and India) to share policy lessons, best practices, and technological advances, aiming for mutual growth and innovation.

·      Strengthen trade and investment: Reduce trade barriers and build an international market network for sustainable biofuels, supporting global energy security and economic growth.

·      Support climate and energy goals: Help countries meet their renewable energy targets and contribute to decarbonization pathways aligned with Net Zero Emissions by 2050.

Proposed Activities of GBA

·      Capacity-building and technical support: Organize workshops, training, and technical assistance programs to build expertise across the entire biofuel value chain, benefiting both nascent and established biofuel markets.

·      Knowledge and innovation hub: Serve as a central repository for policy best practices, research outputs, case studies, and technological resources, accessible to alliance members and stakeholders.

·      International policy and regulatory forums: Create platforms for sharing policy frameworks and regulatory approaches to harmonize standards and certification processes for biofuel production and trade.

·      Pilot projects and technology demonstrations: Facilitate the deployment and scale-up of advanced biofuel technologies (e.g., algae-based fuels), and support pilot projects in member countries.

·      Market development initiatives: Connect biofuel producers with consumers globally, encourage investment in biofuel infrastructure, and promote the expansion of bioenergy access.

·      Collaboration with international agencies: Partner with organizations like the International Renewable Energy Agency and World Economic Forum to address food security concerns and promote sustainable finance solutions.

The GBA is thus positioned as a multi-stakeholder catalyst and expert hub, aiming for a just, inclusive, and sustainable global biofuels ecosystem.

Possible Question on this Subtopic in the UPSC Prelims Examinations

Q1. Which of the following statements are true about the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA)?

1.   GBA is a complete Indian initiative very much like the International Solar Alliance.

2.   Pakistan and Bangladesh are both members of GBA.

3.   Under President Trump, the US has withdrawn from the Alliance.  

4.   GBA is part of the UN Network.

5.   GBA was launched in 2023 during the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

6.   GBA could provide additional opportunities to Indian industries by positioning India as a knowledge base and as a production hub for biofuels.

7.   GBA will not address concerns such as Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC).

8.   GBA will help countries meet their renewable energy targets and contribute to decarbonization pathways aligned with Net Zero Emissions.

Select the right answer using the codes given below:

A.   5, 6, and 8 only.

B.   None of the statements

C.   3 and 4 only

D.  1, 2, and 7 only.

Correct Response: A

Possible Questions on this Subtopic in the UPSC Mains Examinations

Q1. How will the Global Biofuels Alliance be useful to India?

Q2. How will the Global Biofuels Alliance be of relevance for mitigating climate change and sustainable development?