India has started planning to start large-scale production of bio-bitumen or bio-tar from biomass or agricultural waste.
Bio-bitumen or bio-tar
- Bio-bitumen is a bio-based binder derived from renewable sources such as vegetable oils, crop stubble, algae, lignin (a component of wood) or animal manure.
- Bio-bitumen production has been developed as a local alternative to petroleum bitumen, reducing the impact on the environment.
- It is used in the construction of roads and roofs. It is used as a direct replacement, modifier, and rejuvenator.
- Straw will be used in the construction of roads with bio-bitumen technology, which can reduce pollution.
Origin and Production
- Similar to petroleum bitumen, bio-bitumen is also obtained from the distillation of crude oil. For its production, vegetable oils and other biological sources are used, which have high natural suitability and availability.
- It can be produced naturally using biomass plants, biogasification and other technologies.
Properties and Uses
- The main use of bio-bitumen is in air-free structures, such as road construction (asphalt floors), buildings, and as a waterproof binder for marine structures.
- Due to its high adhesive and waterproof quality, it has been developed as a replacement medium for structures inaccessible and traditional binders.
Current Bitumen Scenario in India
- Import Dependency: India currently imports approximately half of its annual bitumen requirement, amounting to 3.21 million tonnes in the fiscal year 2023-24.
- Domestic Production: Indigenous bitumen production stood at 5.24 million tonnes during the same period.
- Increasing Consumption: Bitumen consumption has risen steadily, averaging 7.7 million tonnes annually over the past five years.Construction of national highways (NH) touched around 12,300 km in 2023-24 which is almost 34 km per day.
Objectives of Bio-Bitumen Production Initiative
- Reducing Import Dependency: The primary objective is to replace imported bitumen with domestically produced bio-bitumen over the next decade, thereby reducing foreign exchange expenditure.
- Addressing Environmental Concerns: Bio-bitumen production aims to mitigate environmental issues associated with stubble burning by utilising biomass and agricultural waste as feedstocks.
- Promoting Sustainable Practices: By leveraging bio-based materials, the initiative supports sustainable road construction practices and aligns with global environmental standards.
- Technological Development and Pilot Study: The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) is collaborating with the Indian Institute of Petroleum to conduct a pilot study on a 1-km road stretch using bio-bitumen.