According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India is on track to become a major producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), leveraging its abundant ethanol resources and other feedstocks. With efforts underway to cut emissions, the country could even emerge as a regional hub for SAF production, boosting global decarbonisation in aviation.
Hemant Mistry, Director of Net Zero Transition at IATA, highlighted India’s potential during a recent interview in Geneva. He noted that the country’s supply of agricultural waste and non-edible industrial oils positions it well for SAF production.
“India has excellent opportunities right now. Agricultural waste can be a strong foundation for SAF production. We are working with several companies, including oil firms, to explore collaboration,” Mistry said.
IATA, representing about 340 airlines responsible for over 80% of global air traffic, sees India’s position as the world’s third-largest ethanol producer as a key advantage.
“India can play a vital role in SAF production by utilising its existing ethanol resources. At IATA, we view low-carbon ethanol as a significant option to drive growth in the aviation sector,” Mistry added.
Global SAF production is expected to reach 1 million tonnes (1.3 billion litres) this year, up from 0.5 million tonnes (600 million litres) in 2023, but short of earlier projections of 1.5 million tonnes (1.9 billion litres). Despite this, IATA has flagged slow production growth as a challenge to meeting decarbonization targets.
Mistry emphasized India’s potential to lead the SAF market as it becomes the world’s third-largest aviation market.
“India can strengthen its position by adopting innovative accounting practices, enabling it to supply SAF globally while promoting sustainable practices locally,” he said.
India’s aviation sector is expanding rapidly, with airlines adding more aircraft and routes to meet rising demand. However, Mistry stressed that SAF mandates should follow technological maturity to avoid risks.
“We need to scale up technology before setting mandates. Pushing for mandates without readiness could backfire,” he said.
IATA predicts SAF production will rise to 2.1 million tonnes (2.7 billion litres) by 2025. India’s feedstocks, including non-edible oils, animal fats, and tallows, could support this growth. However, supply chains for these materials need improvement, as they are currently limited to biodiesel production.
India’s annual biomass surplus is estimated at over 200 million tonnes, offering further opportunities for SAF development. Mistry recommended prioritizing oily feedstocks for SAF, which can be processed in existing refineries using certified methods.
A Deloitte report published in October projects India could produce 8-10 million tonnes of SAF by 2040, requiring $70-85 billion in investments.
Mistry emphasized the need for global alignment in sustainability standards to support SAF development.
“We need consistent sustainability criteria worldwide. Supporting technology and market development should be a priority,” he said.
Currently, there are 11 certified SAF production pathways, with the HEFA (Hydrotreated Esters Fatty Acids) method, using cooking oil and animal fats, expected to dominate 80% of output in the next five years. IATA also sees promise in Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) and Fischer-Tropsch (FT) methods, which utilize agricultural and biological waste.
Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Sustainability, highlighted the importance of integrating SAF production into the broader energy transition.
“Decarbonizing aviation should be part of the global energy shift, not viewed in isolation. Renewable fuel refineries will produce multiple fuel types, with SAF being one part of the mix,” she said.
With growing investments and technological advancements, India could play a pivotal role in the future of sustainable aviation fuel, advancing efforts to decarbonize air travel globally.
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