Relevance: GS III (Environment, Renewable Energy, Agriculture); Source: The Hindu / Our World in Data

Context

A recent data analysis challenges the sustainability of growing crops for fuel (Biofuels). It argues that Solar Energy combined with Electric Vehicles (EVs) is a far superior land-use strategy compared to liquid biofuels, which consume vast agricultural tracts.

Key Findings: The Efficiency Gap

1. The Biological Limit:
   • Biofuels (Photosynthesis): Plants are biologically inefficient at converting sunlight into energy, capturing less than 1% of solar energy as biomass.
   • Solar Panels (Photovoltaics): Modern commercial solar panels are highly efficient, converting 15% to 20% of sunlight directly into electricity.
2. Land Footprint Data:
   • The world currently uses ~32 million hectares (an area roughly the size of Germany) to grow biofuel crops.
   • The Trade-off: If this same land were used for solar panels, it would generate 23 times more energy—enough to power the entire global transport sector while leaving 75% of the land free for rewilding or food production.

The “Food vs. Fuel” Conflict

• Biofuels: Require fertile agricultural land, competing directly with food production. This can drive up food prices (inflation) and threaten food security.
• Solar Energy: Does not strictly require fertile soil. Panels can be deployed on barren wastelands, rooftops, or canal tops, avoiding the conflict with agriculture.

UPSC Value Box

Q. With reference to the efficiency of energy production, consider the following statements:

1. The photosynthetic efficiency of plants in converting sunlight to biomass is generally higher than the photovoltaic efficiency of commercial solar panels.
2. The “Food vs. Fuel” debate is primarily associated with the production of First-Generation (1G) biofuels.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (b)