Working on SAF roadmap for Indian airlines: Scindia

New Delhi: The civil aviation ministry is developing a strategy for the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by Indian airlines, with recommendations expected to be provided from 2027, according to minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The ministry aims to propose a 1 5% usage of SAF starting in 2027, aligning with the second phase of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), Scindia told .

CORSIA, established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency, is the first global measure to reduce emissions from international flights. In 2016, the ICAO agreed to establish CORSIA framework, to set a carbon neutral growth target from 2019. The adoption of CORSIA has been chalked out under three phases: a pilot phase (2021 – 2023); first phase (2024 – 2026); and a second phase (2027 – 2035).

The participation of countries in the pilot and first phase is voluntary. India, opting out of the initial phase, will join in the second phase starting in 2027. India had earlier considered mandating blended SAF use by airlines from 2025, beginning with 1% green fuel and increasing to 5% by 2030. “...it is easier said than done, because the equipment today can take SAF, but the problem in the world, not only in India, is production, storage and transport of SAF.

Vistara has done an international flight with SAF while SpiceJet has done it on a domestic flight with SAF, so the problem is not whether your machine can use it, the problem is getting to the bowser to put it into the aircraft," Scindia said. The ICAO is endorsing various methods for producing green fuel.

In India, potential SAF sources include cooking oil, municipal solid wastes, agricultural residues, cane molasses, syrup, and hydrogen technology. “We are talking with the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, Indian Oil is also setting up a facility to manufacture SAF, some airlines are also looking to invest into some of those SAF ventures with oil marketing companies, so it is progressing, but it is something that the world is working on together," the minister added.

In 2023, SAF production doubled to 600 million litres, representing 3% of all renewable fuels, with a forecast to triple in 2024 to 1.875 billion litres. This increase would account for 0.53% of aviation fuel needs and 6% of renewable fuel capacity. Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world to know more.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away!.