Key facts
- India aims to leverage bio-energy and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for export growth and energy security.
- Industry leaders advocate for a unified approach, including a single nodal agency and state-specific resource missions.
- Fragmented governance across multiple ministries is identified as a significant challenge for the bio-energy sector.
- India has the potential to become a global leader in SAF production, with targets for domestic and export markets.
- The first SAF plant in India is set to begin production at Panipat.
Industry leaders attending the India Bio-Energy Conference 2026 have called for a consolidated strategy to elevate India's position in bio-energy and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) exports, viewing it as a critical component of energy security. Key proposals include establishing a single nodal agency to streamline fragmented governance across various ministries and implementing state-specific resource missions to optimize agricultural residue utilization.
Lt Col Monish Ahuja (Retd), Co-Chair of the National Committee on Bio-Energy, emphasized the need for swift implementation of bio-fuel projects, stating that India's leadership is already evident through initiatives like the Global Bio-Fuel Alliance. He highlighted the challenge of dispersed government actions across ministries such as Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, Petroleum, and New and Renewable Energy, advocating for a centralized point of contact.
Rajesh Mehta, Senior Consultant at TNO Netherlands, noted that recent bilateral partnerships, including PM Modi's visit to the Netherlands, are fostering collaboration in areas like bioeconomy and semiconductors, with TNO looking to support Indian counterparts in technology scalability and deployment.
Rohit Kumar, Secretary General of the SAF Association, expressed confidence in India's potential to lead global SAF production, estimating an annual export value of $15-20 billion. Indian Oil is preparing to launch the nation's first SAF plant at Panipat, supporting government targets for SAF blending, which aim for 5% by 2030. The sector is also focusing on developing robust feedstock supply chains and airport infrastructure to ensure competitive pricing and low carbon intensity.