Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

he Ministry of Civil Aviation, in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and with support from the European Union, has officially released the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Study for India. The study, conducted under the ICAO ACT-SAF Programme, evaluates the potential for producing and using drop-in SAF in the country.

SAF’s Role in Sustainable Aviation Growth

Union Civil Aviation Minister underscored SAF’s critical role in advancing India’s sustainable aviation growth. He reaffirmed India’s readiness to become self-sufficient in SAF production, setting blending targets of 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030 in line with the global CORSIA mandate.

Cutting Emissions by up to 80%

According to the ministry, SAF is a practical and immediate solution to decarbonize aviation, with the potential to cut lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.

Biomass Potential and Global Leadership

With over 750 million metric tonnes of biomass and nearly 230 million metric tonnes of surplus agricultural residue, India has the capacity not only to meet its own SAF demand but also to emerge as a global leader and exporter in this sector.

Key Milestones Achieved

The Minister highlighted recent achievements:

• COTECNA Inspection India Pvt. Ltd. designated as the country’s first SAF certification body.
• Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat Refinery certified as India’s first SAF producer.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

The Minister emphasized that SAF production will:

• Reduce crude imports
• Cut emissions by 20–25 million tonnes annually
• Boost farmers’ incomes by creating a strong value chain for agricultural residue and biomass.

India’s Future in SAF

With strong supply-side dynamics and abundant low carbon-intensity feedstocks—such as energy crops, agricultural waste, and municipal solid waste—India holds immense potential to emerge as a global leader in SAF production.

(Source: PIB)