India is positioning itself as a global leader in bio-energy, according to industry leaders at the India Bio-Energy Conference 2026. The country aims to turn bio-energy into a major export engine, focusing on compressed bio-gas, 2G ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), e-methanol, and green hydrogen from biomass. Key targets include producing 5 to 7% of global SAF, worth an estimated 15 to 20 billion dollars annually, with blending mandates of 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030. The main challenge cited is fragmented governance across multiple ministries. Leaders called for a single nodal agency or independent department to streamline decisions and funding. A state-wise resource mission to pinpoint agricultural residue availability per district was also proposed. The Global South, especially agrarian economies in Africa and Southeast Asia, is watching India's model for replication. On the international front, PM Modi's recent visit to the Netherlands resulted in a strategic partnership covering bioeconomy and green hydrogen. The first SAF plant at Panipat, operated by Indian Oil, is set to begin production soon. Industry leaders emphasized that implementation, not just announcements, will determine whether India can turn its bio-energy ambitions into real decarbonization and export revenue.
