Archive · 21 Jul 2026
India's Green Jet Fuel Potential
India has a unique chance to make a lot of green jet fuel, which is better for the environment, at a lower cost than other countries.
This is because India has lots of extra crop waste that can be used to make this fuel.
Using this waste instead of food crops means we don't have to choose between growing food and making fuel.
Plus, with some special technology, this process can even help remove carbon dioxide from the air.
India plans to use this fuel in its own planes and also sell it to other countries, which could make a lot of money.
Some companies are already investing in this idea, like Aemetis, which wants to build a big plant in India to make this green jet fuel.
India can produce green jet fuel at 40% below global costs due to its renewable energy sector.
India can transform its crude oil import vulnerabilities into a multibillion-dollar export industry by 2030 and 2040.
Using 4% of India's surplus crop residue can produce 25% of global SAF requirements.
India has set a policy mandate for a 5% SAF blending requirement in jet fuel by 2030.
Aemetis is exploring an IPO for its Universal Biofuels subsidiary to fund a dedicated SAF plant in India.
- Who
- India, IECC at UC Berkeley, Energy Innovation, Aemetis, Universal Biofuels
- What
- Study on India's potential to produce green jet fuel at lower costs
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- India
- Why
- To reduce crude oil import vulnerabilities, create export opportunities, and reduce exposure to volatile jet fuel markets
Proponents of Green Jet Fuel
Critics of Green Jet Fuel
Economic Benefits
Proponents of Green Jet Fuel
Proponents argue that India can produce green jet fuel at 40% below global costs, creating a multibillion-dollar export industry and reducing crude oil import vulnerabilities.
Critics of Green Jet Fuel
Critics may argue that the initial investment required for infrastructure and technology is high, and the economic benefits may not be immediate.
Environmental Impact
Proponents of Green Jet Fuel
Proponents highlight that using crop residues and forestry waste avoids the food vs. fuel debate and can even remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with carbon capture and storage.
Critics of Green Jet Fuel
Critics may point out that the environmental benefits are not guaranteed and depend on the efficient implementation of carbon capture and storage technologies.
- Study Conducted By
- IECC at UC Berkeley and Energy Innovation
- Potential Export Value by 2030
- $9 billion
- Potential Export Value by 2040
- $30 billion
- Crop Residue Utilization
- 4% of surplus crop residue can produce 25% of global SAF requirements
- SAF Blending Requirement in India
- 5% by 2030
- Aemetis' SAF Supply Contracts
- $3.8 billion with major airlines
- Aemetis' Renewable Diesel Supply Agreement
- $3.2 billion