What is India’s Roadmap for Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

New Delhi, Sep 3 (NationPress) The Ministry of Civil Aviation, collaborating with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and receiving backing from the European Union, unveiled the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Study for India during an event on Wednesday.

This initiative, part of the ICAO ACT-SAF Programme, evaluates the opportunities for manufacturing and utilizing drop-in Sustainable Aviation Fuel in India. It analyzes the availability of domestic feedstock, feasible production methods, necessary infrastructure, and policy preparedness, along with the conditions required to establish a robust domestic SAF market. By incorporating global best practices while adapting to India's socio-economic and environmental landscape, the report lays out a comprehensive roadmap for the adoption of sustainable fuels.

At the event, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized the vital role of SAF in propelling India’s sustainable aviation development. He stated that India aims to achieve self-sufficiency in SAF production, targeting a 1 percent blending by 2027, 2 percent by 2028, and 5 percent by 2030, in alignment with the CORSIA mandate.

"SAF is an immediate and practical measure to decarbonize the aviation industry, with the ability to reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80 percent compared to traditional fuels," the minister remarked, adding that India possesses over 750 million metric tonnes of biomass and nearly 230 million metric tonnes of surplus agricultural waste, positioning the nation to not only fulfill its own SAF needs but also to emerge as a global leader and exporter.

The study is being discussed at a two-day workshop at Udaan Bhawan, with attendees from ICAO, EASA, DGCA, industry stakeholders, and various government sectors, showcasing a comprehensive governmental approach towards SAF.

Naidu pointed out significant achievements, including the designation of COTECNA Inspection India Pvt. Ltd. as the first SAF certification body in the country and the certification of Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat Refinery as India's inaugural SAF producer.

He noted that SAF production will not only diminish crude oil imports and lower emissions by 20-25 million tonnes annually but will also enhance farmers' earnings by establishing a strong value chain for agricultural residues and biomass.

"Guided by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is on the path to becoming the world's largest domestic aviation market. With a cooperative effort, we are dedicated to positioning India as a frontrunner in green aviation," Naidu added.

Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary of Civil Aviation, stressed that global warming is a collective challenge demanding shared responsibility. He reiterated India's commitment to the UNFCCC framework, highlighting that India operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient aircraft fleets globally. Furthermore, 88 airports have transitioned to 100 percent green energy, setting benchmarks for international best practices.

The SAF Feasibility Report signifies a pivotal moment in the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s dedication to establishing a robust SAF ecosystem in India. This vision is anchored in a long-term policy framework that supports both the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels. With strong supply-side dynamics and abundant low-carbon-intensity feedstocks like energy crops, agricultural waste, and municipal solid waste, India holds immense potential to rise as a global leader in SAF production, as stated.