The U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) Director of Global Ethanol Export Development Mackenzie Boubin and Senior Ethanol Advisor Sonjoy Mohanty joined a delegation led by the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (ITA), in India last week. The executive-led Clean EDGE (enhancing development and growth through clean energy) and Environmental Technologies Business Development Mission included stops in Delhi and Mumbai.
The mission was developed to support the U.S. vision of growing sustainable and secure clean-energy markets in India by promoting U.S. exports and removing trade barriers. By accelerating the adoption and deployment of energy and environmental solutions, the mission aimed to assist India in meeting its climate, human health and environmental goals.
“We were delighted to join the Department of Commerce on this mission to promote clean energy alternatives and climate solutions in India. Ethanol is one of the most immediate and viable decarbonization opportunities and India’s objective to meet a nationwide E20 blend by 2025 is a commendable and ambitious target that the Council stands ready to support. But additional ethanol applications outside of traditional on-road use, such as heavy-duty engines adjustments, biobased chemicals, aviation and marine fuel and household clean cooking industries, all additionally represent a key area of opportunity for India to pursue and implement as part of their international climate commitments,” Boubin said.
During the mission, the team took part in one-on-one meetings with fuel supply chain stakeholders, environmental interest groups, energy development companies and consumer engagement entities in India. Through the meetings, Boubin and Mohanty gained market insights, formed new relationships and solidified programming strategies to assist in increasing domestic demand for ethanol through the various ethanol sector strategies outlined.
“Ethanol is a widely diverse tool that can address multiple sectors and facets in decarbonization strategies. The Council’s education on various ethanol uses, specifically in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and clean cooking, were of particular interest as India strives to be a regional SAF hub and product leader through alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology. Additional clean cooking development through pilot initiatives and humanitarian support for the clean cooking sector represent a significant avenue for India to successfully harness domestic technology and feedstock production to supply this growing market sector demand,” Boubin said.
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.