Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Science & Technology
Why in News?
Recently, Akasa Air and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have successfully operated a commercial flight powered by aviation turbine fuel blended with 1% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- SAF – It refers to non-conventional aviation fuels produced from renewable or sustainable sources.
- It is an alternative to conventional fossil-based jet fuel, developed to reduce the lifecycle carbon emissions associated with air travel.
- Potential feedstocks for SAF production
- Used cooking oil
- Agricultural and forestry residues
- Municipal waste
- Other forms of sustainable biomass, and
- Synthetic fuels produced using renewable energy.
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), over 360,000 commercial flights have used SAF at 46 different airports largely concentrated in the United States and Europe.
India has set a target to achieve a 5% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the aviation sector by 2030.
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ICAO Global SAF Framework
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- Global target – Achieve a 5% reduction in CO₂ emissions from international aviation by 2030, compared to a baseline of zero cleaner energy use.
- Adopted at – Third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels.
- Building Blocks
- Policy and Planning – Provide strategic direction for the adoption of SAF and LCAF.
- Regulatory Frameworks – Establish standards, ensure compliance, and implement enforcement mechanisms.
- Implementation Support – Offer technical assistance, build capacity, and provide operational guidance.
- Financing – Facilitate investment, develop funding models, and offer financial incentives.
- All four blocks are interconnected and must progress together for effective aviation decarbonisation.
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Reference
Economic Times | 1% Sustainable Aviation Fuel
