Fibre2Fashion | SCO member nations agree to work together on emerging fuels, biofuels

Mar 16,2023

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member nations agreed to work together on emerging fuels like hydrogen and ammonia, and biofuels like ethanol at a recent meeting of energy ministers of the grouping. They also agreed to consider joint emerging fuel projects for connecting major emerging fuel-producing and consuming countries.

The move will see China, Russia and others collaborate with India on emerging fuel technology, energy modelling and transition goals.

The grouping will be opened up for signatures on the proposed Global Biofuel Alliance, being pushed by India, which will formally launch the alliance with like-minded nations before the G20 leaders’ summit in September.

Indian petroleum and natural gas minister Hardeep Singh Puri said after the meeting that SCO nations have opted for a continued engagement rather than a standalone, one-time discussion, Indian media outlets reported.

“The parties recognise that emerging fuels can play a critical role in promoting a circular economy by efficiently utilising biological resources to produce various high-value marketable products with least possible impact on the environment,” read a joint statement issued after the meeting.

The SCO comprises China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India assumed the rotational annual presidency of the SCO last year.

Before India hosts the SCO summit on June 25 in New Delhi, the government will be organising a series of SCO ministerial meetings.