Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Latest News, Benefits, Challenges & UPSC Notes

The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is A renewable, clean, eco-friendly alternative to traditional jet fuel. SAF can be made out of biomass, waste oils, or synthetics. It also brings approximately a 50 per cent reduction in carbon emissions and increased energy efficiency, and it helps the global aviation industry move towards sustainable industry development.

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel is important for UPSC under GS Paper 3, Environment and Ecology (Climate Change, Pollution Control, Renewable Energy) and Economic Development (Infrastructure, Energy Sector). It links to sustainable development, green technology, and India's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and Net Zero goals. Join the UPSC coaching today and boost your preparation.

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About Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a renewable fuel with the same properties as conventional jet fuel and is produced through biomass, waste oils or synthetic oils. It aids in reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, enhancing energy efficiency, and going carbon-neutral in the aviation industry.

• SAF is a bio-based alternative to conventional jet fuel, produced from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil, agricultural residues, forestry waste, and non-edible crops.
• SAF is a "drop-in fuel," meaning it can be blended with existing jet fuel and used in current aircraft engines without modification.
• International aviation bodies certify blending limits (usually up to 50%) to ensure safety and performance.

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Benefits of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) shares carbon emissions with traditional jet fuel by up to 80%, helps reduce air pollution and lowers reliance on fossil fuel. It aligns well with energy security and makes sustainable development possible in the global aviation sector.

• Engine and infrastructure compatibility: SAF blended with conventional Jet A can be used in existing aircraft and infrastructure.
• Fewer emissions: Compared with conventional jet fuel, 100% SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 94% depending on feedstock and technology pathway.
• More flexibility: SAF replaces conventional jet fuel, allowing multiple products from various feedstocks and production technologies.
• Energy Security: It reduces dependence on imported crude oil.
• Economic Opportunities: It creates new markets for farmers (through non-edible crops and residues) and waste collectors (used cooking oil, biomass).
• Exports: With Europe already enforcing SAF blending mandates, European airlines are seen as the first major buyers of IOC's SAF when they land in India. IOC also plans to tap into global export markets as demand rises.

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IOC's First Commercial SAF Plant

The Panipat refinery of Indian Oil Corporation will be the first refinery in India to gain ISCC CORSIA certification to produce SAF based on used cooking oil and is expected to operate on a commercial scale starting at the end of 2025, with an annual capacity of around 35,000 tonnes.

• Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country's largest refiner, will begin commercial production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at its Panipat refinery by December 2025. 
• The plant is certified under ISCC CORSIA standards.
• IOC is the first Indian company to receive ISCC CORSIA certification, a requirement under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). 
• From 2027, airlines worldwide must offset emissions beyond 2020 levels, and using SAF blends will be a key compliance pathway.
• It will produce 35,000 tonnes of SAF annually using used cooking oil (UCO).
• UCO refers to edible oils and fats used for frying, cooking, or food preparation in both commercial and household settings. 
• It is essentially leftover oil from cooking processes. 
• While UCO can be a sustainable feedstock for biodiesel and other products, its improper disposal can lead to environmental and health issues.

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Meeting India's SAF Targets

India plans to reach 1% of SAF blending in jet fuel in 2027, which will then build to full capacity as part of its 2070 net-zero commitment. This will necessitate an increase in the size of domestic SAF manufacturing, policy incentives, and investments in green aviation technologies.

• The initial production capacity will be sufficient to meet India's 1% SAF blending target for international flights by 2027.
• The National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC) has set indicative targets of 1% blending in 2027 and 2% in 2028.
• SAF blending for domestic flights is expected to follow, but only after international targets are in place.

Challenges Of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The challenges associated with Sustainable Aviation Fuel include expensive production programs, poor availability on a large scale, and reliance on feedstock supply. Moreover, the lack of friendly infrastructure and policy will reduce the adoption rate, and affordability and scalability should be addressed as one of the main barriers to the mass transition to the aviation industry.

• Collection bottlenecks: While UCO collection from big hotel chains is easy, creating systems to collect oil from small eateries and households remains difficult.
• High cost: SAF is about three times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, raising airline concerns about higher operating costs.
• Feedstock Availability: Large-scale production requires a steady supply of sustainable feedstocks (used cooking oil, residues, waste).
• Policy roadmap: Although the government had previously considered early SAF mandates, cost concerns have pushed implementation to 2027.

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Strategic Outlook

• While IOC has started with the used cooking oil route, it also works on alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology, which uses ethanol as feedstock. 
• Other Indian companies are exploring similar SAF technologies, but all pathways require international certification before commercial rollout.

Conclusion 

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a significant move to more sustainable aviation that would reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel reliance. Its implementation needs complementary policies, technology, and international decision-making, making aviation comply with climate targets by providing economic growth and sustainable climate change to future generations.

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