The Indian government has initiated the process of drafting a policy for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), marking a significant step towards reducing the country’s aviation sector’s carbon footprint. Additionally, a comprehensive study on biomass is currently underway to support the development of SAF. The government’s efforts aim to promote the use of sustainable fuels in the aviation industry, aligning with global initiatives to decarbonize the sector.
The drafting of the SAF policy is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The policy is expected to provide a framework for the production, distribution, and use of sustainable aviation fuels in India. It will also outline incentives and regulations to encourage the adoption of SAF by airlines and other aviation stakeholders.
The biomass study, being conducted by the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), will investigate the availability and suitability of various biomass sources for producing SAF. The study will assess the potential of different feedstocks, such as agricultural waste, forestry waste, and algae, to produce low-carbon fuels. The findings of the study will inform the development of the SAF policy and help identify the most promising biomass sources for large-scale production.
The use of SAF is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector, which accounts for around 2.5% of global carbon emissions. SAF can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional fossil fuels, making it an essential component of the industry’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set a target of achieving 2% SAF usage by 2025, increasing to 65% by 2050.
India’s efforts to promote SAF are in line with global trends, with several countries and airlines investing heavily in sustainable aviation fuels. The development of a comprehensive SAF policy and the study on biomass will help India stay on track with its climate commitments and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. As the aviation industry continues to grow, the adoption of sustainable fuels will play a critical role in mitigating its environmental impact. The government’s initiative to draft a SAF policy and conduct a biomass study demonstrates its commitment to supporting the sector’s transition towards a more sustainable future.