SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS (SAF): DECARBONIZING INDIAN AVIATION SECTOR

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Context

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and with support from the European Union has released the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Study for India.

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a biofuel derived from renewable feedstocks like used cooking oil (UCO), agricultural residues, and municipal waste, reduces lifecycle GHG emissions by up to 80-94% compared to conventional jet fuel.

It is chemical similarity to traditional fuel allows blending (10–50%) without modifying aircraft engines or infrastructure.

Highlights of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Study

It outlines India’s roadmap to emerge as a global leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuels.

India targets specific SAF blending mandates: 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030, aligning with the CORSIA mandate.

• CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) is a global initiative developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to stabilize and reduce CO2 emissions from international flights.  

SAF has the potential to cut lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fuel, also reduce crude imports and cut annual emissions by 20-25 million tonnes.

Economically, SAF will boost farmers’ incomes by creating a strong value chain for agricultural residue and biomass.

India have sufficient resources for SAF production, including over 750 million metric tonnes of available biomass and nearly 230 million metric tonnes of surplus agricultural residue.

Why SAF Matters for Decarbonizing Aviation?

Indian aviation sector, the third-largest globally, recorded 240 million passengers in 2024, projected to double to 500 million by 2030.

Aviation contributes 2% of global CO2 emissions and 12% of transportation-related CO2 emissions.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates SAF could contribute 65% of the emissions reduction needed for net-zero CO2 by 2050.

Journey of SAF for Decarbonizing Aviation Sector

Global Milestones:

• 2016: United Airlines began regular SAF use at Los Angeles International Airport.
• 2020: ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) capped net CO2 emissions at 2019 levels through 2035.
• 2024: EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation mandated 2% SAF blending in 2025, rising to 10% by 2030 and 70% by 2050.

India’s Journey

• 2018: SpiceJet’s first SAF-powered flight (25% blend, Jatropha-based) from Dehradun to Delhi.
• 2021: Roadmap for Ethanol Blending 2025 set a precedent for biofuel policies.
• India targets 1% SAF blending for international flights by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030, aligning with CORSIA. This could reduce crude oil imports by $5-7 billion annually and cut emissions by 20-25 million tonnes.
• A 2025 feasibility study by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) identified pathways using India’s 750 million tonnes of biomass and 230 million tonnes of surplus agricultural residue.
• NITI Aayog proposed a 5% GST on SAF and waivers on airport fees to incentivize adoption.

Challenges in Scaling SAF in India

High Costs: SAF costs 3-5 times more than jet fuel, potentially raising ticket prices by ₹180 for a two-hour flight with a 5% blend.

Feedstock: Inconsistent supply of feedstocks like used cooking oil and agricultural residues hampers scalability.

Technological Barriers: Advanced pathways like Alcohol-to-Jet require significant R&D investment to improve efficiency.

• Scaling production to meet 0.14 billion liters for a 5% blending target by 2030 is a logistical challenge.

Policy Gaps: Unlike the EU and US, India lacks a comprehensive SAF policy framework.

Infrastructure Gaps: Infrastructure for SAF production and distribution is concentrated in hubs like Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad, limiting nationwide access.

Way Forward

Policy Support: Finalize a comprehensive SAF policy with clear mandates and incentives. Integrate SAF into the Indian Carbon Market for economic benefits.

Public-Private Partnerships: Expand collaborations, engage airlines, fuel suppliers, and research institutions to streamline the supply chain.

R&D Investment: Fund technological advancements in Alcohol-to-Jet pathways to lower production costs. Learn from US, EU's SAF research programs to enhance fuel efficiency.

Global Alignment: Align SAF production with CORSIA standards to access global markets.  

Feedstock Supply Chains: Develop centralized collection systems for UCO and agricultural residues, leveraging surplus biomass. Partner with farmers to monetize crop residues, reducing stubble burning.

Conclusion

SAF is a game-changer for decarbonizing India’s aviation sector, aligning with the country’s renewable energy target by 2030 and net-zero by 2070. With a robust agricultural base, refining capacity, and government support, India can become a global SAF leader. 

Source: PIB