Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

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.
• Decarbonisation – According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF alone is projected to contribute over 60% of the aviation industry’s carbon reduction targets.

• 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 ecosystem – There are over 300 renewable fuel projects announced globally, but only 160 have clear SAF production plans.
• India’s current SAF ecosystem – India 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 availability – India generates large quantities of biomass, agricultural waste, and ethanol, which can be channelled towards SAF production without compromising food security.
• Existing refining infrastructure – India’s oil refineries can be upgraded to produce SAF, reducing capital investment requirements compared to greenfield plants.
• “Make in India for the world” potential – India can meet domestic SAF demand and export surplus to international airlines operating in the region, creating an economic and strategic opportunity.
• Estimated production potential – By 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 framework – A comprehensive SAF policy with time-bound blending targets, production incentives, and certification guidelines is urgently needed.
• Feedstock prioritisation and sustainability – SAF feedstock selection must avoid competition with food crops and meet strict environmental sustainability standards.
• Global certification compliance – SAF produced in India must adhere to international sustainability and emission reduction certification requirements to be globally accepted.
• Investment in research and development – India 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 targets – The government should finalise ambitious yet achievable SAF blending mandates aligned with global standards like CORSIA.
• Financial and production incentives – Production-linked incentives, tax breaks, feedstock subsidies, and concessional financing should be provided to encourage SAF production.
• Sustainable feedstock aggregation – A robust supply chain for sustainable feedstock aggregation must be established through farmer incentives and technology support.
• Technology neutrality and competition – All SAF production pathways should be encouraged, with market forces determining the most efficient technologies.
• Public-private collaboration – Strong 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