The Indian Sugar & Bio Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has taken a major step towards advancing India’s bioenergy sector by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and PRAJ Industries. This partnership is set to drive the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Bio-Ethanol, Bio-Gas, Green Bio-Hydrogen, and green methanol, all aimed at strengthening India’s bio-economy and low-carbon energy infrastructure.
This collaboration comes at a crucial time, as the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Currently, aviation contributes around three percent of global carbon emissions, releasing nearly 1 billion metric tonnes of CO2 annually. As the demand for air travel grows, the need for alternatives to traditional jet fuels becomes more pressing. SAF offers a promising solution, with the potential to drastically cut emissions while supporting global climate goals.
Paving the Way for a Greener Aviation Sector
Under the CORSIA framework of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the second voluntary pilot phase (2024-2026) is set to lead into full implementation in 2027. ISMA’s partnership with TERI and PRAJ Industries aims to align with this framework by achieving the target of blending one percent SAF with aviation turbine fuel by 2027, scaling up to five percent by 2030. This ambitious target underscores India’s commitment to decarbonizing aviation and promoting bioenergy adoption on a global scale.
Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA, noted that this collaboration marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of sustainable aviation solutions. “The MOUs with TERI and PRAJ Industries not only represent a collaboration but also reflect our commitment to a greener future. Unlike conventional jet fuels, SAF derived from renewable resources offers a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which is one of the aviation sector’s major challenges.”
Leveraging India’s Abundant Resources for SAF Production
A key element of SAF production in India is the use of bagasse, a byproduct of the sugarcane industry, which is both abundant and technologically feasible for SAF conversion. This cost-effective and environmentally friendly feedstock positions India to make significant strides in green energy production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By collaborating with TERI’s research experts and PRAJ’s technological solutions, ISMA is setting the stage for India to become a global leader in bioenergy production, addressing both environmental and economic needs.
This partnership also emphasizes knowledge exchange, policy development, and capacity building, which are critical to creating a thriving bioenergy ecosystem. ISMA’s efforts to foster collaboration between industry and government will play a crucial role in achieving India’s SAF production targets and contributing to the country’s broader sustainability objectives.
A Sustainable Future for Aviation
As the aviation sector continues to grow, the need for sustainable fuel alternatives becomes more urgent. ISMA’s partnership with TERI and PRAJ Industries is a key step in meeting this challenge, offering a clear path to reducing carbon emissions through innovative bioenergy solutions. By leveraging India’s natural resources and technological capabilities, this collaboration will help the country lead the way in SAF production and contribute to the global push for cleaner, greener aviation.
At VURDHAAN, we recognize the significance of advancing SAF technologies in the aviation sector. Our expertise in Sustainable Aviation Fuels, aligned with frameworks like CORSIA, enables us to support businesses and industries in navigating the complexities of bioenergy adoption and emissions reduction. By offering tailored sustainability solutions, we help companies transition towards cleaner, more sustainable operations, ensuring they stay ahead of regulatory requirements and industry trends.
Conclusion: India’s Leadership in Bioenergy
ISMA’s collaboration with TERI and PRAJ Industries represents a groundbreaking step towards creating a sustainable future for aviation. With the goal of blending SAF with conventional jet fuel, this partnership will drive innovation in bioenergy production and help India meet its ambitious climate targets. As aviation continues to contribute to global carbon emissions, initiatives like these are essential in reducing the industry’s environmental impact and advancing the transition to a low-carbon economy.