In a significant move towards decarbonizing aviation, the Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) hosted a high-level roundtable discussion on “Unlocking the Potential of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from Sugar Biorefineries.” The event marked an important milestone as India prepares to meet its SAF blending targets—1% by 2027, and 5% by 2030—under the CORSIA framework.
During the discussion, stakeholders emphasized the vast potential of India’s sugar industry to produce some of the lowest-carbon intensity SAF globally using Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology. This well-established process aligns with India’s abundant feedstock and its broader ambitions for achieving net-zero emissions. India could potentially produce between 19–24 million tonnes of SAF annually—far surpassing domestic requirements, even with a 50% blending scenario.
“The success of India’s Ethanol Blending Programme has shown that biofuels can transform both climate action and rural prosperity,” said Deepak Ballani, Director General, ISMA. “SAF represents the next frontier—one that can create green jobs, boost farmer incomes, and support India’s energy independence.”
To accelerate the development of SAF from sugar biorefineries, ISMA is collaborating closely with TERI and Deloitte to position the industry as a leading SAF production hub, not only for India but also for the entire Asian region.
The roundtable brought together key players from across the SAF value chain, including government officials, aircraft manufacturers, airlines, oil marketing companies (OMCs), technology providers, and policy think tanks from both the public and private sectors. Representatives from Brazil and Japan also participated, highlighting the global momentum behind SAF development and the exchange of best practices. A 1% SAF blending mandate would benefit over 500,000 farmers and create more than 100,000 green jobs, underscoring SAF’s potential as both a climate and economic solution for India.
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