A sugar industry body has expressed its willingness to support the government in meeting international aviation blending targets, which will be implemented from 2027 under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
In a statement released ahead of the All India Sugar Trade Association’s annual conference, the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) informed Food Minister Pralhad Joshi about the necessity of transforming sugar mills into bio-refineries. This transition is expected to enhance the production of sustainable aviation fuel and other green energy sources, according to ISMA.
ISMA representatives met with Joshi to discuss a policy framework that would extend beyond the current focus on ethanol, bioelectricity, and biogas to include the production of sustainable aviation fuel, green hydrogen, E-100, and 2-G ethanol.
Bio-refinery Plans
ISMA Director-General Deepak Ballani highlighted that this initiative would support India’s goals of achieving net-zero emissions and self-reliance. “We envision a future where local resources drive national development,” he stated. Emphasizing that the plan aligns with the government’s vision for an atmanirbhar (self-reliant) Bharat, Ballani noted that the proposal aims to create new markets for India’s estimated 55 million sugarcane farmers, building on the success of the ethanol blending program in increasing farmer incomes.
Following the government’s launch of 100% ethanol (E-100) at select 400 petrol pumps last year, Joshi has emphasized the need to promote E-100 usage, given India’s leadership in the Global Biofuels Alliance.
ISMA has committed to collaborating closely with the government to ensure the prompt implementation of the bio-refinery plan, which is expected to set new industry standards and enhance India’s energy security, according to the statement.
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