Innovation

With Neutral Fuel, no engine modifications are necessary and there are no changes in fuel efficiency and no added expenses. There is simply the added bonus of engines that perform better and last longer and, of course, a much healthier planet. It comes with a one time plant installation cost.

• Completely intelligent automated plant which can fit inside of 40 feet container and can be transported to any location or locality.

• Recycling waste cooking oil

• No water usage throughout the manufacturing process.

Inspiration

"Electricity is considered as a cleaner fuel & future of energy with electrification of vehicles. But if that electricity is coming out of a thermal power plant which is guzzling down coal, can we call it green?" said Mr. Rajgarhia when asked the inspiration behind this innovation. He communicated that it was this question Neutral Fuel wanted to address as an organization. There is no effluent discharge of chemicals in water, air or land while preparing Biofuels. " It's a completely intelligent automated plant" shared Mr. Rajgarhia.

Overall impact

Pollution Control Board of India has certified Neutral Fuels India as a green company in the white category as there is zero effluent discharge to air, water or soil. Neutral Fuels is ensuring that the carbon footprint generated is almost zero. Neutral Fuels is the largest producer of biofuel in the Gulf region.

"Currently, most of the oil which is used is resold to small restaurants and dhabas which is very harmful to the people who are consuming the food items made from it" shared Mr. Rajgarhia. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have authorized Neutral Fuels India to acquire the used cooking oil from the FMCG companies, restaurants and quick service restaurants. The company is recycling about 15-20 tonnes of used cooking oil daily in order to produce bio- diesel.

The company website very clearly mentions the impact that Mr. Rajgarhia also highlighted. The website mentions that from inception to Q3, 2021, the direct actions of Neutral Fuels have resulted in a reduction of more than 36.5 million kgCO₂e.

Currently, the supply is enough to meet about 8.5 per cent blending ratio. The government has decided to step up domestic manufacture of biofuels by 10 per cent every year and has advanced the target of blending 20 per cent ethanol in petrol from 2025 to 2030.

Business benefit

Neutral Fuels started in year 2011 in Dubai. Neutral Fuels is continuously expanding their business all over the world. In 2019, they opened their first manufacturing plant in India in Delhi & next planning to expand it across India. The company is currently having a contract with big companies like Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Pepsico and ITC who have agreed to purchase the bio-diesel and help the Neutral Fuels in reducing the usage of fossil fuels made diesel and make the environment more friendly.

Neutral Fuels has appointed Charu Manchanda as the Head of Operations and research. She holds a master’s degree from IIT Delhi. She works with her team to ensure a proper quality check. Currently 10 employees are working Neutral Fuels.

India is one of the fastest growing economies and the third largest consumer of primary energy in the world after the US and China. India’s fuel energy security will remain vulnerable until alternative fuels are developed based on renewable feedstocks. The government of India targets reducing the country’s carbon footprint by 30-35% by the year 2030. These targets will be achieved through a five-pronged strategy which includes: Increasing domestic production, adopting biofuels and renewables, implementing energy efficiency norms, improving refinery processes and achieving demand substitution.

Social and environmental benefit

The company is listed as one of the 15 of The Middle East’s Most Sustainable Companies.

In the year 2020, they also got the Innovation Sustainability Award at the World Future Energy Summit, in Abu Dhabi.

Some of the environmental impacts that the company is making are listed below. The company website testimonial page also lists other impacts.

Immediate reduction to zero carbon emissions: 100% pure B100 biofuel immediately reduces transport carbon footprint to zero. Our biofuel blends (B20 and B5) offer proportionate carbon reduction benefits.

Renewable: The biofuel is made from used vegetable oil, a waste product and a renewable source.

Non-hazardous and safe to handle: Unlike fossil fuel, B100 biofuel causes minimal – if any – damage when spilt or released into the environment. It is a 100% biodegradable, non-hazardous, non-toxic combustible fuel, safe to handle, store, and transport.

Reduced tailpipe emissions and improved air quality: Unlike fossil fuel, B100 biofuel causes minimal – if any – damage when spilt or released into the environment. It is a 100% biodegradable, non-hazardous, non-toxic combustible fuel, safe to handle, store, and transport.

Improved engine operation and lifecycle: Moving parts in diesel engines depend on the lubricity of fuel to prevent premature wear. Unlike fossil fuels, biofuel improves lubricity, increasing longevity of vehicle engines and reducing maintenance costs.

Interview

Madhav Rajgarhia, Managing Director

Watch video