New Delhi: India will soon start a test program to supply a new type of eco-friendly airplane fuel at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, reports The Hindu businessline.
This sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, is a cleaner alternative to regular jet fuel. It is made from renewable sources or waste materials. The Indian Oil Corporation has recently been approved to make this fuel at its refinery in Panipat.
The fuel will be created using materials like used cooking oil and farm waste such as rice straw. Delhi was selected for this test because the Panipat refinery already supplies regular airplane fuel to the airport through a direct pipeline.
A major benefit of this new fuel is that it can be used with existing airport equipment and fuel systems.
“The great thing about this fuel is that you don’t need to change any of the current equipment to start using it. It works just like regular fuel,” said Jane Hupe, a deputy director at the International Civil Aviation Organization, a UN body.
She highlighted that India’s existing pipeline network is a significant advantage because it means no expensive new transportation systems are required.
“The system they already have to make and deliver fuel to the airport can also be used for this new eco-friendly fuel. That’s a major benefit,” Hupe added.
Globally, this kind of fuel is important for a UN plan to reduce pollution from international flights. This plan is being introduced in stages, and countries can choose to join voluntarily until 2026.
India has decided not to take part in these early voluntary phases. However, starting in 2027, Indian airlines operating international flights will need to follow the plan’s rules.
To prepare, the Indian government has set initial goals. It plans to mix 1% of this eco-friendly fuel with regular airplane fuel in 2027. This would increase to 2% in 2028 and reach 5% by 2030.
The government is also creating a full policy to encourage the production and use of this sustainable fuel.
Last month, India’s Civil Aviation Minister, K. Ram Mohan Naidu, stated that India has a natural edge in this area.
“Our location helps us become an exporter, and we also have huge amounts of raw materials available,” the Minister said.
Currently, India has more than 750 million tonnes of biomass and nearly 230 million tonnes of extra farm waste that can be used to produce this green fuel.
“India has the potential to become a world leader in making this fuel,” the Minister said. He added that India is expected to produce more of this fuel than it needs, allowing it to become a major supplier to other countries.
India already exports half of the regular airplane fuel it produces.
“It makes sense for us to focus on this, given our dedication to a cleaner environment,” he said.
