SIAM ISTEM charts path to decarbonisation and sustainable mobility

By Staff Report January 22, 2025 6:52 pm IST

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) organised the third edition of the International Symposium for Thriving Eco-Energy in Mobility (ISTEM) in New Delhi. The event, held on the sidelines of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, aimed to discuss the “Decarbonisation Roadmap: Towards a Carbon-Neutral Future” and the introduction of E20 compliant vehicles.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) successfully organised the third edition of the International Symposium for Thriving Eco-Energy in Mobility (ISTEM) at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The event, held on the sidelines of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, centered on the theme “Decarbonization Roadmap: Towards a Carbon-Neutral Future” was graced by the presence of Chief Guest, Shri. Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, and Guest of Honour, H.E. Mr. Kenneth Nóbrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India.

Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, said, “The auto, “The autostry collectively worked together to attain the ambitious target, which was preponed to 2025 for the introductiontion of E20-compliant vehicles. With great support from OEMs, ethanol producers represented by ISMA and oil marketing companies, it is expected that a large number of E20 and flex-fuel-fuel vehicles be on the roadroad in the future. We need to emphasise cooperation, collaboration, and communication to realise sustainable mobility dreams.”

Chief Guest Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said, “The pace of change today is extraordinary; 67 million petrol pump users now benefit from ethanol-blended fuels. Ethanol blending grew from 1.5% in 2014 to 10% in 2022, targeting 20% by 2025—five years ahead of the schedule. This reflects visionary policies supported by determined stakeholders. As India nears becoming the fourth-largest economy, reducing fossil fuel dependency is vital. We’re driving flex-fuel vehicles and clean energy adoption, setting the stage for a sustainable and low-carbon future.”

“India consumes 5.4 million barrels of crude oil daily. Reducing fossil fuel dependency is essential as our economy grows. Over the past decade, our ethanol blending program has saved USD 14.5 billion in foreign exchange and reduced CO2 emissions by 57.8 million metric tonnes. As India progresses to becoming the fourth-largest economy, achieving energy security through clean alternatives will be critical,” he further added.

Guest of Honour Kenneth Nóbrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, said, “India is making remarkable strides in its energy transition, setting an inspiring example for the world. With Brazil relying on 49% clean energy, we see immense potential in our partnership with India through the Biofuel Alliance. India is accelerating its shift toward low-emission mobility by embracing a technology-neutral and holistic approach. We can drive this transition further, showcasing how sustainable energy solutions can reshape the global landscape for the better.”

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, who remarked, “India’s rich agricultural and livestock resources make biofuels an ideal solution for achieving its net-zero targets. The automobile industry has taken significant steps to support this vision, with a notable increase in compressed biogas production.”

SIAM’s 3rd ISTEM brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to chart a collaborative path towards sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions.