New Delhi: India on Tuesday presented the findings of a feasibility study on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), paving the way for a national policy and implementation plan to reduce emissions in the fast-growing aviation sector, reports Hindustan Times.
The day-long meeting comes ahead of the 42nd session of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal later this month, where member states will set future goals with a focus on sustainability.
According to officials, the study was carried out by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) with support from ICAO and the European Union under the ACT-SAF programme. It identifies practical pathways for producing and deploying SAF in India in line with global sustainability standards under CORSIA.
The meeting was chaired by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and attended by aviation secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, ICAO representatives, oil companies, and executives from Boeing and Airbus.
“The workshop will help finalise policy and implementation steps, ensuring India meets its blending targets for SAF. This could also reduce crude oil imports by $5–7 billion a year and raise farmers’ incomes by making use of crop residue,” an official said.
With air passenger numbers crossing 240 million in 2024 and expected to double by 2030, SAF is being positioned as central to balancing aviation growth with climate goals.
“India has the potential to become a global leader in SAF because of its large agricultural base, surplus biomass, and strong refining capacity. Estimates show the country could produce 8–10 million tonnes of SAF annually by 2040, more than its domestic demand, which would also create export opportunities and up to 1.4 million green jobs,” another official said.
The government has already set phased blending targets—1% of total fuel for international flights by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030. Indian Oil’s Panipat refinery, certified earlier this year as the country’s first SAF producer, is expected to begin production by year-end.
Aviation fuel demand is projected to reach 16 million tonnes by 2030 and nearly double to 31 million tonnes by 2040. SAF can cut lifecycle emissions by up to 80%, making it a key element in India’s decarbonisation strategy.
India is also making progress in other green aviation initiatives. Currently, 88 airports run entirely on renewable energy, Bengaluru airport holds the world’s highest carbon accreditation, and airports in Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad are carbon neutral.
Alongside SAF, the country is investing in green hydrogen. Cochin airport has set up the world’s first airport-based hydrogen production facility, while NTPC and Indian Oil are working on large-scale hydrogen and SAF projects.
