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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

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July 10, 2025

Mains: GS II - Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.

GS III - Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Why in news?

Recently, IATA (International Air Transport Association) highlighted that India has a major opportunity to become a global hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel SAF is a renewable, low-carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel, produced from sources like agricultural waste, non-food crops, used cooking oil, algae, and municipal solid waste.
  • Aircraft fuel – It is chemically similar to fossil jet fuel, making it compatible with existing aircraft engines and refuelling infrastructure.
  • It can be used by blending biofuel with conventional jet fuel.
  • Lifecycle emissions – For SAF it is upto 80% lower than conventional fuel, depending on the feedstock and production method, making it central to achieving net-zero targets in aviation.
  • DecarbonisationAccording to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF alone is projected to contribute over 60% of the aviation industry’s carbon reduction targets.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the global trade association of airlines is established in 1945, headquartered at
Montreal, Canada, and it represents around 300 airlines worldwide, accounting for over 80% of global air traffic.

  • Other measures such as operational efficiency, hydrogen, electric aircraft, and carbon offsetting also play a role, but SAF is considered the most impactful and immediately deployable solution.
  • Global SAF ecosystemThere are over 300 renewable fuel projects announced globally, but only 160 have clear SAF production plans.
  • India’s current SAF ecosystemIndia has been exploring SAF for over a decade.
  • Several Indian energy companies are developing SAF production capabilities and government has signalled intent to introduce blending targets, but a formal roadmap is awaited.

What are the opportunities for India to Become a Global SAF Hub?

  • Abundant feedstock availabilityIndia generates large quantities of biomass, agricultural waste, and ethanol, which can be channelled towards SAF production without compromising food security.
  • Existing refining infrastructureIndia’s oil refineries can be upgraded to produce SAF, reducing capital investment requirements compared to greenfield plants.
  • Make in India for the world” potentialIndia can meet domestic SAF demand and export surplus to international airlines operating in the region, creating an economic and strategic opportunity.
  • Estimated production potentialBy 2050, India could produce up to 40 million tonnes of SAF, significantly contributing to global supply chains.

What are the key challenges that India must address?

  • Lack of clear policy frameworkA comprehensive SAF policy with time-bound blending targets, production incentives, and certification guidelines is urgently needed.
  • Feedstock prioritisation and sustainabilitySAF feedstock selection must avoid competition with food crops and meet strict environmental sustainability standards.
  • Global certification complianceSAF produced in India must adhere to international sustainability and emission reduction certification requirements to be globally accepted.
  • Investment in research and developmentIndia must invest in SAF R&D to diversify production technologies, including pathways like Alcohol-to-Jet, Power-to-Liquid, and others.
  • Global competition With the US and Europe rapidly building SAF ecosystems, India must act swiftly to capture market share.

What are the suggested measures?

  • Time-bound blending targetsThe government should finalise ambitious yet achievable SAF blending mandates aligned with global standards like CORSIA.
  • Financial and production incentivesProduction-linked incentives, tax breaks, feedstock subsidies, and concessional financing should be provided to encourage SAF production.
  • Sustainable feedstock aggregationA robust supply chain for sustainable feedstock aggregation must be established through farmer incentives and technology support.
  • Technology neutrality and competitionAll SAF production pathways should be encouraged, with market forces determining the most efficient technologies.
  • Public-private collaborationStrong partnerships between government, private companies, and research institutions are essential to accelerate SAF ecosystem development.

Reference

The Indian Express| India to become a sustainable aviation fuel hub

 

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