Praj, IATA, sugar association join forces to advance SAF carbon assessment, certification in India

Photo: Praj Industries

India is taking decisive steps toward decarbonizing its aviation sector with a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blending mandate targeting 1 percent by 2027 and 2 percent by 2028.

In line with this national goal, Praj Industries, the International Air Transport Association and the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) to drive the certification and adoption of SAF in the country.

The partnership will focus on conducting a comprehensive lifecycle assessment (LCA) of SAF derived from Indian sugarcane feedstock via the ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) pathway—a critical milestone in demonstrating the environmental and economic viability of indigenous SAF solutions, according to Praj Industries.

The MOU underscores the participants’ shared commitment to sustainability and to reducing emissions in aviation—one of the world’s most challenging sectors to decarbonize.

Through this partnership, Praj, IATA and ISMA aim to determine an accurate carbon-intensity (CI) number for SAF produced using Indian sugarcane.

CI measures the amount of greenhouse-gas emissions produced per unit of energy generated (usually expressed in gCO2e/MJ).

This key metric for SAF determines how much cleaner the fuel is compared to conventional jet fuel.

As part of the collaboration, the three participants will also work together to define and recommend a certification methodology suited to the Indian context.

This framework will align with internationally recognized sustainability and emissions-reduction standards, specifically the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification CORSIA and the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials CORSIA standard.

“India has immense potential to become a key player in sustainable aviation fuel,” said Pramod Chaudhari, the founder chairman of Praj Industries. “This collaboration leverages scientific rigor and global frameworks to ensure our SAF solutions meet the highest standards.”

Praj Industries noted that it has been actively advancing the development and commercialization of SAF in India.

In collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. and AirAsia India, Praj successfully produced SAF from indigenous feedstock, showcasing its readiness for commercial deployment.

Further strengthening its position, Praj’s R&D facility, Praj Matrix, in Pune houses India’s first integrated SAF demonstration plant.

“Measurements and certifications are key building blocks in any market,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s senior vice president of sustainability and chief economist. “Developing the SAF market in India will be accelerated and its global acceptance will be facilitated by progress in these areas that is tailored to Indian conditions. Through this MOU, we aim to ensure that SAF from India can contribute to the height of its full potential to global decarbonization goals.”

Deepak Ballani, ISMA’s director general, added, “India’s record success globally via the ethanol-blending program has showcased the sugar industry’s immense potential, and one of the best possible demonstrations of our capacity will be to become the single largest supplier of one of Asia’s lowest carbon-intensive next-gen biofuels like SAF—ensuring a truly just energy transition.”

Praj said this landmark collaboration highlights India’s commitment to pioneering sustainable aviation and lays a strong foundation for a low-carbon future, driving innovation and environmental stewardship in the global aviation sector.

At the 81st IATA annual general meeting, India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, highlighted India’s push for SAF to reduce emissions and promote green growth.

He urged global collaboration and emphasized India’s commitment to ecofriendly aviation infrastructure.