Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a revolutionary type of aviation fuel produced from renewable and sustainable feedstocks. These feedstocks can include used cooking oil, agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, non-food crops, and forestry residues. The primary advantage of SAF is its significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional jet fuels, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative for the aviation sector.
SAF stands out from traditional jet fuels due to its production process, which relies on sustainable and waste-derived sources. In contrast, traditional jet fuels are mainly derived from crude oil. The adoption of SAF can lead to a considerable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, positioning it as a crucial element in the pursuit of sustainable aviation practices.
The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) is a newly launched initiative aimed at establishing India as a prominent hub for the production and export of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This initiative reflects India’s commitment to enhancing its contributions to global sustainable aviation efforts.
India has the capability to produce between 19 to 24 million tonnes of SAF annually. With growing demand and supportive policies, this production capacity could play a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.
By 2030, the estimated maximum SAF requirement, even with a 50% blend in jet fuel, is projected to be around 8 to 10 million tonnes per year. This indicates a substantial shift towards more sustainable aviation practices.
India is set to implement a mandate requiring the blending of 1% SAF in all domestic commercial flights within the next two years. This initiative is expected to catalyze the shift towards cleaner aviation fuels.
With the planned 1% SAF blending in jet fuel, India would need approximately 140 million litres of SAF annually by 2025. This requirement emphasizes the urgency of scaling up SAF production.
SAF has the potential to significantly reduce aviation-related greenhouse gas emissions, offering up to an 80% reduction compared to conventional jet fuels. This substantial reduction is vital for achieving global climate goals.
India's geographical position provides a unique advantage in establishing norms for SAF production, allowing the country to benefit from its renewable resources unlike regions such as the United Arab Emirates or Singapore.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has set ambitious goals, including a 2% annual improvement in fuel efficiency through 2050, Carbon Neutral Growth from 2020 onward, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. These goals are essential for the future of sustainable aviation.
Starting in 2027, Indian airlines will be required to offset carbon emissions from international flights as part of the global Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia). Local production of SAF will be crucial for compliance and sustainability.
Several companies, including the Indian Oil Corporation and Praj Industries, are actively engaged in the production of SAF within India. Their efforts are pivotal in advancing the country's sustainable aviation goals.
SAF blending offers significant benefits to the farming sector, potentially supporting over 500,000 farmers through the provision of feedstocks like sugarcane. Additionally, this initiative could generate more than 100,000 green jobs, enhancing rural economies.
Prominent aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing aim to enable 100% SAF compatibility in their aircraft by 2030. This goal underscores the industry's commitment to sustainable aviation.
Q1. What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?
Answer: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an eco-friendly aviation fuel derived from renewable resources such as agricultural waste and used cooking oil. It aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.
Q2. How much SAF can India produce annually?
Answer: India has the capacity to produce between 19 to 24 million tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) each year, contributing to sustainable aviation efforts.
Q3. What are the global aviation emissions goals set by ICAO?
Answer: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aims for a 2% annual fuel efficiency improvement through 2050, Carbon Neutral Growth from 2020 onward, and net-zero emissions by 2050.
Q4. Why is SAF important for Indian airlines?
Answer: Local production of SAF is critical for Indian airlines to meet carbon offsetting requirements for international flights, mandated under the Corsia initiative starting in 2027.
Q5. How does SAF blending benefit farmers in India?
Answer: SAF blending can support over 500,000 farmers by providing feedstocks and is expected to create over 100,000 green jobs, boosting the rural economy.
Question 1: What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?
A) A fuel derived from fossil fuels
B) A renewable aviation fuel from sustainable sources
C) A type of diesel fuel
D) A jet fuel made from crude oil
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