India’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Boosts Green Aviation Transition

Context

India has amended the ATF Control Order to include Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), signalling a major step towards decarbonising the aviation sector and aligning with global climate commitments.

Q1. What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and how does it differ from conventional aviation turbine fuel (ATF)?

1. It is a bio-based or synthetic aviation fuel made from renewable sources.
2. It consists of aviation-grade hydrocarbons chemically similar to ATF, ensuring compatibility.
3. Unlike conventional ATF (derived from crude oil), SAF is produced from biomass, waste, or captured carbon. It does not compromise engine performance, safety, or fuel efficiency.
4. Key difference lies in lower greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable origin.

Q2. What are the sources and production processes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?

1. Sources (Feedstock): Used cooking oil, animal fats, agricultural residues, non-food crops, municipal solid waste and green waste.
2. Production Methods
   1. Bio-refining processes converting biomass into jet fuel
   2. Co-processing in petroleum refineries with conventional fuel
   3. Synthetic fuel production using carbon capture technologies
3. These methods ensure SAF can replicate the performance of fossil-based jet fuel.

Q3. What is the significance of bringing SAF-blended fuel under the ATF Control Order, 2001?

1. Expands the definition of ATF to include SAF blends meeting BIS standards.
2. Provides regulatory clarity for production, marketing, and usage.
3. Enables India to integrate into the global SAF supply chain.
4. Facilitates implementation of blending targets for cleaner aviation fuel.
5. Acts as a key policy step towards energy transition in aviation.

Q4. What role do global frameworks like ICAO and CORSIA play in promoting SAF adoption?

1. The International Civil Aviation Organization sets global aviation standards and approves SAF after rigorous testing. ICAO’s CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) aims to control emissions from international flights.
2. From 2027, airlines must offset emissions above baseline levels.
3. SAF use helps airlines reduce offsetting obligations by lowering emissions.
4. SAF must meet both technical standards and sustainability criteria to qualify.

Q5. What are India’s SAF blending targets and how do they compare globally?

1. India’s Targets: 1% blending by 2027, 2% by 2028 and 5% by 2030.
2. Global Trends
   1. European Union: 2% (2025) → 6% (2030) → 70% (2050)
   2. United Kingdom: 2% (2025) → 10% (2030)
   3. Japan: 10% by 2030
   4. Singapore: 1% (2026) → 3–5% (2030)
   5. United States: Focus on production incentives

Q6. What are the key challenges in scaling up SAF adoption in India?

1. High production costs compared to conventional ATF
2. Limited feedstock availability and supply chain constraints
3. Need for advanced refining and technological capacity
4. Requirement of large-scale investment and policy support
5. Ensuring compliance with global sustainability standards

Conclusion

The inclusion of SAF under the ATF framework marks a crucial step in India’s green aviation transition. However, scaling it effectively will require technological innovation, policy support and global alignment.