Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), often referred to as green jet fuel, is derived from renewable sources, including bio-based and waste-derived materials. This innovative fuel can be blended with traditional jet fuel, allowing it to be utilized in existing aircraft without the need for major engine modifications. The adoption of SAF is essential as it significantly reduces life-cycle carbon emissions.
India is strategically aligning its aviation sector with global climate commitments. As a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the nation is obligated to limit aviation emissions while adhering to international carbon-offset and emission-reduction frameworks commencing in 2027.
The Indian government has announced a phased approach for the adoption of SAF. The estimated blending targets include approximately 1% by 2027, increasing to around 2% by 2028, and nearly 5% by 2030.
India has already initiated test flights utilizing blended aviation fuel. Both domestic and international flights have successfully operated with partial SAF blends, showcasing the technical feasibility, safety, and operational compatibility of this fuel type.
Ethanol is crucial for India's SAF plans due to the robust production base supported by the country's sugarcane and grain industries. Ethanol-based SAF pathways are among the lowest carbon-intensity options available and are well-suited to India's existing biofuel infrastructure.
India has achieved a remarkable milestone of 20% ethanol blending in petrol nationwide. This success in scaling biofuels not only provides operational experience but also instills policy confidence for extending similar blending strategies to aviation fuel.
The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is a global framework established by ICAO to stabilize aviation emissions. From 2027 onwards, airlines will be required to offset any excess emissions, highlighting the critical need for SAF adoption to ensure regulatory compliance and effective cost management.
Deploying SAF in India presents unique challenges. Unlike petrol blending, SAF implementation necessitates close coordination among biofuel producers, oil marketing companies, and airlines. Key hurdles include higher production costs, supply-chain integration, certification requirements, and the need for long-term offtake contracts.
The Indian government is actively promoting SAF and biofuel production through various policy support mechanisms, financial incentives, interest subvention, and initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana. This program encourages the establishment of new distilleries and the development of advanced biofuel capacity.
The adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel can significantly reduce India's dependence on crude oil imports. It also supports farmers and rural industries, generates green employment opportunities, and reinforces India’s global leadership in climate action, especially within the aviation sector. A comprehensive public policy approach can effectively harmonize economic capacity, environmental responsibility, and long-term national interests.
Q1. What is meant by green jet fuel or Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?
Answer: Green jet fuel, known as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), is produced from renewable, bio-based, or waste-derived sources. It can be blended with conventional jet fuel for use in existing aircraft, reducing carbon emissions significantly.
Q2. Why is India planning to shift to SAF by mid-2027?
Answer: India aims to comply with global climate commitments as a member of ICAO, focusing on limiting aviation emissions and adhering to carbon-offset frameworks starting in 2027.
Q3. What blending targets has India indicated for jet fuel?
Answer: India plans a phased approach for SAF adoption, targeting 1% blending by 2027, 2% by 2028, and nearly 5% by 2030.
Q4. Has India already tested sustainable aviation fuel?
Answer: Yes, India has conducted test flights using blended aviation fuel, successfully demonstrating its technical feasibility and operational compatibility.
Q5. What challenges exist in rolling out SAF in India?
Answer: Key challenges include higher production costs, the need for coordination among stakeholders, certification requirements, and establishing long-term contracts for supply.
Question 1: What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?
A) A type of fossil fuel
B) Aviation fuel from renewable sources
C) Conventional jet fuel
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: By what year does India aim to achieve 1% blending of SAF?
A) 2025
B) 2027
C) 2028
D) 2030
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What does CORSIA stand for?
A) Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation
B) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Strategy for International Air
C) Climate Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation
D) Carbon Offsetting and Resource Strategy for International Aviation
Correct Answer: A
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