Roundtable on Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment of Sugarcane Based SAF in India

TERI was pleased to present the findings of the Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment of Sugarcane-based Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for India at a high-level roundtable convened by the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA).

Commissioned by ISMA and undertaken by TERI, this first-of-its-kind study establishes an India-specific LCA framework for sugarcane-based SAF, providing a robust scientific basis for assessing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with India's ethanol-to-jet pathway. Developed through a collaborative effort involving sugar mills across the country, the study generates India-specific emissions data that accurately reflects domestic agricultural and biofuel production systems.

The study represents an important step towards strengthening India's engagement with international sustainability frameworks, including ICAO's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), while supporting the development of a credible and globally competitive sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem.

The roundtable brought together policymakers, airlines, SAF producers, technology providers, certification agencies, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss the critical role of science-based carbon accounting in accelerating SAF adoption in India. With the country's indicative SAF blending targets of 1 per cent by 2027, 2 per cent by 2028, and 5 per cent by 2030, such collaborative efforts will be instrumental in enabling an evidence-based transition to low-carbon aviation.