The India Sugar & Bio-Energy Conference 2024, being held on September 26-27 at JW Marriott, New Delhi, brings together key figures from the sugar and bio-energy industries to explore future opportunities and innovations in sustainable energy production. Organized by the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) in partnership with the Government of India and the International Sugar Organisation (ISO), the event focuses on the theme “Harmonising Sweet Sustainability: Navigating India’s Path to a Green Economy.”
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who inaugurated the conference, emphasized the critical role of advancing India’s sugar and bio-energy sectors to align with national green economy goals. Joshi highlighted the growing importance of ethanol production and sustainable practices to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Key Highlights of the Conference
- The two-day event covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Global sugar production trends and export opportunities
- Ethanol and bio-energy production to support India’s energy transition
- Technological innovations in sugarcane farming and bio-energy generation
- Sustainability initiatives in sugar production and environmental preservation
- AI and data analytics to improve production forecasting
ISMA’s MoUs for Sustainable Biofuels
In a major announcement at the conference, the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) revealed that it has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and PRAJ Industries to advance sustainable bioenergy solutions. This collaboration focuses on developing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and exploring the potential of bio-ethanol, bio-gas, green bio-hydrogen, and green methanol. These efforts are aligned with India’s sustainability goals and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA, stated, “This collaboration will leverage the research and policy expertise of TERI and the technology solutions of PRAJ to build a robust bioenergy ecosystem and promote low-carbon energy infrastructure.” The MoUs are seen as a major step towards meeting the government’s goal of blending 1% SAF with Aviation Turbine Fuel by 2027 and 5% by 2030.
At the event, Deepak Ballani also launched the association’s official publication, ISMA Times, which will cover key industry developments and provide insights into the future of the sugar and bio-energy sectors.
The conference will continue tomorrow with more expert discussions aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation for the growth of these vital industries.
This partnership between ISMA, TERI, and PRAJ will play a pivotal role in building a bio-economy and supporting the country’s low-carbon energy infrastructure, essential for meeting global sustainability mandates and reducing carbon emissions in industries like aviation.
