Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Wednesday said sustainable aviation fuel is the immediate solution to decarbonize the aviation sector, with the potential to cut lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to conventional fuel.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a blendable aviation fuel made from non-petroleum sources like waste fats, used cooking oil, and plant-based materials that significantly reduces lifecycle carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. SAF is a “drop-in” fuel, meaning it can be used in existing aircraft and infrastructure without modification, and it is a key near-term solution for the aviation industry to achieve net-zero carbon goals by 2050.
Naidu was speaking at the release of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility study for India, which assesses the potential for producing and utilizing drop-in SAF. He welcomed the stakeholders, and underscored SAF’s critical role in advancing India’s sustainable aviation growth.
“SAF is a practical and immediate solution to decarbonize the aviation sector, with the potential to cut lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional fuel,” an official release quoted the minister as saying.
The study was prepared by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in association with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and with support from the European Union.
Meanwhile, the study is being deliberated at a two-day workshop at Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi, with participation from ICAO, EASA, DGCA, industry partners, and multiple government departments, reflecting a whole-of-government approach towards SAF.
Naidu reaffirmed India’s readiness to become self-sufficient in SAF production, targeting 1 percent blending by 2027, 2 percent by 2028 and 5 percent by 2030 in line with the CORSIA mandate.
The study evaluates domestic feedstock availability, viable production pathways, infrastructure and policy readiness and the enabling conditions needed to establish a robust domestic SAF market.
Drawing upon international best practices and tailoring them to India’s socio-economic and environmental context, the report provides a roadmap for sustainable fuel adoption.
The minister further highlighted that with over 750 million metric tonnes of available biomass and nearly 230 million metric tonnes of surplus agricultural residue, India has the capacity not only to meet its own SAF demand but also to emerge as a global leader and exporter.
Naidu pointed to important milestones already achieved, including the designation of COTECNA Inspection India Pvt. Ltd. as the country’s first SAF certification body and the certification of Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat Refinery as India’s first SAF producer.
The minister, as per the release, emphasized that SAF production will not only reduce crude imports and cut emissions by 20-25 million tonnes annually, but also boost farmers’ incomes by creating a strong value chain for agricultural residue and biomass.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is on track to become the world’s largest domestic aviation market. With a collaborative approach, we are committed to positioning India as a leader in green aviation”, Naidu added.