In a landmark move to decarbonize India’s aviation sector, the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Praj Industries. The collaboration aims to advance the certification and adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India. It will establish a scientifically validated carbon footprint for Indian-produced SAF.
Focusing on Life Cycle Assessment of Indian Feedstocks
The partnership will focus on calculating the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of SAF produced from Indian sugarcane feedstock through the Ethanol-to-Jet (ETJ) pathway. This step is critical to proving the economic and environmental viability of indigenous SAF solutions and is essential for securing eligibility under global frameworks like CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation). India has set an ambitious target of blending 1% SAF by 2027, rising to 5% by 2030. This move reinforces its commitment to climate action in one of the most difficult-to-decarbonize sectors—aviation.
Addressing Regulatory Gaps to Enable Market Access
A key barrier to SAF adoption in India is the lack of an internationally accepted carbon intensity (CI) value. This applies to SAF produced via the Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) route using Indian sugarcane. This gap currently limits the eligibility of Indian SAF under CORSIA rules.
To address this, the new MoU builds on ISMA’s existing partnership with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). TERI is working to establish a reliable, science-based LCA for sugarcane-derived SAF. This data will be pivotal in gaining global certification and unlocking international markets.
Sugar Industry Poised to Lead in Low-Carbon SAF
India’s robust sugar industry can produce 19 to 24 million tons of SAF annually. This makes it a strong contender to become Asia’s leading SAF supplier. The Alcohol-to-Jet pathway is a commercially viable and globally recognized technology. It could help India deliver the world’s lowest carbon intensity SAF. This would strengthen rural economies and reduce import dependency.
Driving a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition
Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA, highlighted, “The success of the Government’s Ethanol Blending Programme proves our ability to create climate impact at scale while supporting rural livelihoods. SAF is the next frontier, and India can lead as Asia’s foremost supplier. This partnership is a game-changer for new market access, green job creation, and a just, science-led energy transition.”
Paving the Way for Global Market Integration
As per the press release, by building a strong scientific foundation for SAF certification, this collaboration marks a turning point in India’s sustainable aviation journey. It enables Indian producers to access global markets, contributes to net-zero aviation goals, and aligns with India’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat—a developed, climate-resilient nation powered by innovation and sustainability.
