India’s First Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Plant

India’s First Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Plant: A Step Towards Greener Skies

India is making a major move towards cleaner aviation by starting commercial production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will begin SAF production from used cooking oil at its Panipat refinery by December 2025. This is a big step in reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector.

What is SAF?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a biofuel made from renewable sources like used cooking oil, ethanol, and farm waste. It has similar chemical properties to conventional jet fuel and can be used in existing aircraft engines. SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its life cycle.

Panipat SAF Plant Highlights
IOC’s Panipat refinery will produce 35,000 tonnes of SAF every year. The feedstock will come from large restaurants and food businesses such as Haldiram’s. The plant is the first in India to receive the ISCC CORSIA certification, allowing it to meet international aviation emission standards.

Benefits and Importance
SAF is key to aviation’s goal of cutting carbon emissions, contributing to over 60% of expected reductions. It also supports energy security by turning waste into fuel and opens export opportunities, especially to Europe, which already has SAF blending rules.

Challenges
Despite its benefits, SAF is currently three times costlier than regular jet fuel. Also, collecting used cooking oil from small eateries and homes is difficult. Airlines worry that SAF could raise fuel costs, leading to resistance.

India’s SAF journey is a promising step towards cleaner air travel. While challenges remain, especially in cost and feedstock collection, IOC’s Panipat plant sets an example for others. With global demand growing, SAF could become a key fuel for the future of aviation.