India’s government has announced a significant initiative to blend sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with aviation turbine fuel (ATF) starting in 2027. This decision aligns with India’s broader commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly fuel sources in aviation. Here’s a detailed overview of the plan and its implications:
Key Targets and Timelines
- Initial Blending Ratios: The government plans to start with a 1% SAF blending target in 2027, which will initially apply to international flights. This target is set to double to 2% in 2028.
- Progression to 2030: By 2030, the Indian government aims to achieve a 10% blending of SAF with conventional jet fuel, as part of a broader strategy to promote the use of sustainable fuels across various sectors.
Production and Demand
- SAF Production Capacity: India has the potential to produce 19 to 24 million tons of SAF per year, using indigenous feedstock.
- Estimated Requirement: The maximum requirement of SAF in India, considering a 50% blend, is projected to be around 8 to 10 million tons per year by 2030.
Benefits and Impact
- Environmental Impact: SAF is made from renewable sources like agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, and forestry residues. It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
- Economic Benefits: The use of indigenous biological feedstock, such as sugarcane molasses, for SAF production is expected to boost the rural economy and provide additional income to farmers. It’s estimated that a 1% SAF blending will benefit over 5 lakh farmers, and more than 1 lakh green jobs could be generated, potentially positioning India as an international SAF hub.
- Fuel Consumption: The Civil Aviation sector in India consumed around 8 million tons of ATF and emitted about 20 million tons of greenhouse gases in 2019, prior to COVID.
Future Projections
- SAF Demand by 2025: If India targets a 1% SAF blend in jet fuel by 2025, it would require around 14 crore liters of SAF annually. A more ambitious target of a 5% blend would necessitate approximately 70 crore liters of SAF per year.
Conclusion
This move by the Indian government represents a major step towards de-carbonizing the aviation sector and aligning with the global commitment to net-zero carbon emissions. It not only addresses environmental concerns but also opens up new economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas and the renewable energy sector. As this initiative unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its implementation and impact on both the environment and the economy.