Fuelling a cleaner India

Read on about Indizel, a revolutionary biofuel.

Have dreams that don’t let you sleep - a motto that has helped Santosh Verma, the owner of ‘My Eco Energy’ and the inventor of Indizel, fuel his dreams of innovation and fight for environment protection. Indizel, a revolutionary biofuel, mitigates the harmful effect of ordinary diesel on the environment. The Indian government has also taken note of this ground-breaking discovery. Swati Soni sits down with Mr. Verma, and learns about the drive and determination to innovate in order to change life for the better.

How did you start this venture?

I am a first generation entrepreneur. With a B.Sc Degree followed by a double MBA, I worked in various capacities for 17 years across various continents before I ventured out on my own into responsible entrepreneurship. In 2011, I set up ‘My Eco Energy.’ The finishing idea was to deliver and manufacture non-petroleum based fuel, which are an equivalent to diesel. I am lucky that finally I nailed this path-breaking idea of revolutionizing the fuel industry. I have experimented with wind and solar energy, and I had the drive and the urge to create a cleaner fuel. A bio- diesel manufacturing startup based out of London, Go-Fuel, was for sale. My partner Sachin Labde and I seized this opportunity, and strategically developed the European market. Once this happened, we moved to India where we sensed an urgent need for bio-fuel. Eventually, Sachin and I became the promoters and the directors of ‘My Eco Energy,’ which produces Indizel.

How is Indizel different from petroleum-based fuel?

Indizel is far more compliant than diesel. It meets the requirements and parameters of Euro IV, which is good for engines and extremely safe for the environment. It is also cheaper than petroleum-based fuel by Rs 2. Our product reflects clean fuel, and it works perfectly in sync with regular fuel. It is also seamlessly interchangeable with the petroleum diesel, and can be used in all commercial vehicles. Indizel fuel's flash point is  70 degree celsius and solodifies at -40 degree celsius, unlike petrol-based diesel which has a flash point of 35-38 degrees. Indizel has surpassed HSDEN590 and BIS 1460 standards, ensuring its safety for usage. Indizel outperforms all market-available diesels in performance, emissions, mileage, price and value. Indizel is renewable as it is manufactured from feedstock like edible oils. Also, our focus is on quality control to avoid malpractices and pilferages.

What challenges have you faced on your journey?

To begin with, the product you make should be and has to be viable, and this requires humungous patience. One also has to stay up- to- date with policies and funding sources, which are constantly changing. Challenges are a part of the growth process, but we persevered and have come out with flying colours.

How are MEE fuel stations different from other stations?

For us it’s a three-step process. We not only manufacture the diesel, but we also distribute and market it. Hence, the fuel station is also set up in such a way. Our fuel stations have very innovative designs, without any compromise on quality and are based on advanced technology. We also have charging units for battery operated cars. Our outlets are eco- friendly with 100 percent paper-less transaction. The stations have a modular set-up, which makes it easier to install.

What are your future plans?

We want to have more than 650 bio-fuel outlets in India and we have already established two outlets in Maharashtra, two in Andhra Pradesh, one in Gujarat and one in Rajasthan. We also want to start online modules to sell the bio-fuel. We are looking at expanding into Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and West Bengal, and are considering capital markets foray for the same.

Your advice for budding entrepreneurs?

It’s great to have great ideas, but one should definitely have a strong revenue model in place, and always check the viability of the product.

What other measures could be taken to counter harmful effects of diesel in the environment? Please share your views.