India's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Ambition: A Green Revolution in the Making
Key Ideas
  • India aims to produce 8-10mn tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2040, meeting domestic demand and potentially becoming a major exporter, driven by investments of Rs 6-7 lakh crore.
  • The production of SAF through agri-waste is expected to create 1.1-1.4mn jobs, reduce crude oil imports by $5-7bn annually, provide additional income to farmers, and mitigate air pollution from stubble burning.
  • SAF, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 85%, is considered a more immediate solution compared to hydrogen fuel and electric aircraft, offering a feasible pathway to achieve net-zero targets for the aviation sector.
  • Challenges in scaling up SAF production include ensuring food security and managing inflation, although alternative feedstocks like sweet sorghum and seaweed are being explored to address these concerns sustainably.
The aviation industry in India is steering towards a green revolution with a focus on producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to tackle carbon emissions. A Deloitte report suggests that India could potentially produce 8-10mn tonnes of SAF by 2040, aligning with a domestic demand forecast of 4.5mn tonnes and aiming for a 15% blending mandate across all flights. This initiative, requiring investments of Rs 6-7 lakh crore, not only meets national demand but also positions India as a potential SAF exporter. The production of SAF from agri-waste is anticipated to generate millions of jobs, reduce crude oil imports significantly, provide farmers with an additional income source, and combat air pollution caused by stubble burning. SAF is viewed as a key player in decarbonizing the aviation sector, with the potential to cut emissions by up to 85%. Experts highlight that while hydrogen fuel and electric aircraft are emerging technologies, SAF offers a more immediate solution to achieve net-zero targets. Despite the promise SAF holds, there are challenges in scaling up its production. The focus on using feedstock like sugary, starchy crops, and agri-residues may raise concerns over food security and inflation. To address this, innovative feedstocks such as sweet sorghum and seaweed are being explored, balancing the need for sustainable fuel production with food source preservation. The commitment to blending SAF with jet fuel for international flights indicates a step in the right direction towards greener aviation. However, it is essential to consider the environmental impact of burning SAF, albeit its advantage of absorbing atmospheric carbon during growth. As India navigates the path towards a more sustainable aviation future, balancing economic growth, job creation, food security, and environmental sustainability will be crucial in realizing the potential of SAF as a game-changer in the fight against climate change.
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