Jointly organized by USGBC & USISPF
© 2026 U.S.–India Biofuels Summit
Jointly organized by USGBC & USISPF
© 2026 U.S.–India Biofuels Summit
The U.S.–India Biofuels Summit 2026 convenes U.S. and Indian leaders, policymakers, researchers, and industry partners in New Delhi to accelerate bilateral collaboration in the ethanol sector. Against a backdrop of shared commitments to decarbonization, energy security, and rural economic development, the summit will highlight opportunities to scale sustainable ethanol production, advance feedstock diversification, and technologies across both countries.
The summit will prioritize actionable pathways for joint R&D, technology transfer, and partnerships that lower costs and increase throughput for fuel and industrial-grade ethanol in all its diverse uses. Sessions will explore roadblocks to increased ethanol blending mandates, new uses for ethanol (such as SAF, SMF, and clean cooking), expanded uses of industrial ethanol in consumer products, and the health benefits of ethanol, among other topics.
The event is structured around a plenary session containing panels and fireside chats. All sessions are conducted collaboratively, with equal representation from the U.S. and India. On the sidelines, focused roundtables maximise potential partnerships between the two countries on selected topics.
Organizer
OrganizerGuests arrive and registration opens
Reece H. Cannady, Director – India, U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council
Nivedita Mehra, Managing Director – India, US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF)
Reece H. Cannady, Director – India, U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council
Jay Reiners, Chairman of the Board, U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council
Cocktails and snacks
This session will examine the evolving role of ethanol in the road transport sector across the United States and India. Speakers will discuss policy frameworks, blending targets, vehicle compatibility, and the broader implications for energy security and emissions reduction. The conversation will highlight lessons from each country's experience and opportunities for both countries to scale their ethanol ecosystems. It will also explore avenues for greater U.S.-India collaboration across technology, investment, and demand building.
The session will explore the pathways for scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through stronger partnerships across governments, airlines, technology providers, refiners, and agricultural stakeholders. Speakers will examine the policy, feedstock, technology, infrastructure, and commercial considerations shaping SAF deployment in India and the United States. Particular attention will be given to the role of ethanol and other bio-based feedstocks in developing viable SAF pathways. The discussion will identify opportunities for bilateral collaboration to accelerate commercialization and build resilient SAF supply chains.
This fireside discussion will examine the environmental lifecycle of maize-based ethanol, drawing on case studies from India and the United States. Experts will explore methodologies for assessing emissions across feedstock production, processing, transportation, and end use, while considering differences in agricultural and industrial systems. The conversation will provide perspective on how lifecycle assessments can inform policy, investment decisions, and the development of lower-carbon fuels. It will also consider opportunities to strengthen data, methodologies, and cross-country learning.
This session will explore the potential of ethanol as a clean and scalable cooking fuel, particularly in markets seeking alternatives to traditional solid and liquid fuels. Speakers will discuss consumer adoption, affordability, distribution infrastructure, safety standards, and the policy ecosystem required to enable wider deployment. The panel will examine international experiences and the role of the Global Biofuels Alliance in facilitating knowledge-sharing and collaboration. The discussion will discuss practical pathways for advancing ethanol-based cooking solutions in emerging markets.
The maritime sector is increasingly looking beyond conventional fuels as shipping companies pursue credible pathways to decarbonization. This panel will examine the potential of ethanol as a sustainable marine fuel, including its technical feasibility, lifecycle emissions, supply availability, vessel requirements, and commercial viability. Industry leaders will discuss emerging opportunities across shipping, fuel production, ports, and technology. The session will also consider how U.S.-India cooperation can help accelerate innovation and investment in low-carbon maritime fuels.
This session will look beyond transportation to examine the growing role of ethanol and bio-based materials in everyday consumer and industrial products. Speakers will explore applications across chemicals, packaging, consumer goods, and other value-added sectors, highlighting opportunities to replace fossil-based inputs with renewable alternatives. The discussion will consider the technology, market, sustainability, and policy factors that can support wider adoption. It will also showcase opportunities for collaboration across the U.S.-India bioeconomy and industrial value chains.
This panel will examine ethanol's role in strengthening rural economies through agricultural demand, farmer incomes, value creation, and local investment. Speakers will discuss how the expansion of ethanol markets can create new opportunities across farming, processing, logistics, and allied industries. Drawing on experiences from India and the United States, the conversation will explore approaches to ensuring that the benefits of biofuel growth reach rural communities.
