India’s SAF sector could become a new market for US corn

The US grain industry sees India’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sector as a potential new market for American corn. The concept involves using corn-based ethanol in alcohol-to-jet technology, which converts ethanol into aviation fuel.

The US industry is also promoting imported corn for ethanol production aimed at higher blending levels, including E85. At the same time, India’s existing E20 programme would continue to rely mainly on domestically produced feedstocks.

India has already reached its E20 target ahead of schedule, but any further increase in ethanol blending would require additional technical and scientific assessments. US industry representatives expect India’s future ethanol demand could eventually exceed the capacity of its domestic feedstock base.

The SAF sector is seen as another major opportunity. India’s existing ethanol distillery network could provide a foundation for aviation fuel production, although additional investment in technology, certification and long-term offtake agreements would be required.

Access for US corn to the Indian market remains a sensitive issue because of protections for domestic farmers and restrictions on GM products. As a result, the US industry is seeking to shift the focus toward ethanol’s life-cycle carbon footprint rather than solely the origin of the feedstock.

Tags: corn, India, USA, SAF, sustainable aviation fuel, aviation fuel