NEW DELHI: India has the capacity to not only meet its own demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) but also emerge as a global leader and exporter of the fuel, said Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
Naidu unveiled the `SAF-Feasibility Report India’, prepared in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and supported by the European Union, said an official release from the ministry.
The Minister pointed out that the 750 million metric tonnes of available biomass and nearly 230 million metric tonnes of surplus agricultural residue at the country’s disposal would help in achieving the objective.
“SAF is a practical and immediate solution to decarbonise the aviation sector, with the potential to cut lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fuel,” he said.
India was ready to become self-sufficient in SAF production and targets 1% blending by 2027, 2% by 2028 and 5% by 2030 in line with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) mandate, Naidu stressed.
The Minister emphasised that SAF production would reduce crude imports and cut emissions by 20-25 million tonnes annually, as well as boost farmers’ incomes by creating a strong value chain for agricultural residue and biomass.
Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha said that global warming was a collective challenge, and mitigating its impact becomes a shared responsibility.
“India already operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient aircraft fleets in the world. A total of 88 airports have already transitioned to 100% green energy usage, setting benchmarks for global best practices,” he said.
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), said India has emerged as the third-largest aviation market, with passenger traffic expected to double to 500 million by 2030.
“The SAF feasibility study will provide strategic insights to shape India’s national SAF policy framework, ensuring that sustainability remains integral to India’s aviation growth story,” he said.
The study is being deliberated at a two-day workshop at Udaan Bhavan with representatives from ICAO, DGCA, the European Authority for Aviation Safety and multiple government departments taking part.