The Indian Sugar & Bio Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has plans to advance sustainable bioenergy solutions.

It wants to expand focus on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It also wants explore the potential of bio-ethanol, bio-gas, bio-hydrogen, and green methanol.

The association has signed a memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and PRAJ Industries.

The collaboration aims to develop India’s low-carbon energy infrastructure and bio-economy. The partnership is expected to have a significant impact on knowledge exchange, policy advocacy, and capacity building for industry-government partnerships.

According to a press release, the MoUs will support the government’s sustainability objectives by fostering the production and implementation of SAF.

The aviation sector’s annual carbon emissions are crucial for India’s adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other bioenergy solutions.

The nation aims to meet ICAO CORSIA mandates, starting in 2027 and requiring a blend of 1% SAF with aviation turbine fuel by 2027 and 5% by 2030.

Deepak Ballani, Director General, ISMA, said, “… Unlike conventional jet fuels, SAF produced from renewable resources can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions which remains one of the biggest challenges. By virtue of our collaboration, we will leverage the research and policy expertise of TERI and the technology solutions of PRAJ to navigate such challenges and build a robust bioenergy ecosystem.”

“At ISMA, we remain committed to leading initiatives that focus on collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge sharing to drive sustainable growth in both agriculture and bioenergy sectors. Together, we are positioning India as a global leader in the production of bioenergy, while addressing both environmental and economic needs,” he said.

It must be noted that the aviation industry contributes 3 percent to global carbon emissions, requiring an alternative to traditional jet fuel due to its growing carbon footprint.