India Launches SAF Feasibility Study to Cut Aviation Emissions

• India releases first feasibility study to shape policy
• India aims for SAF to make up 1% of international flight fuel by 2027
• Airports and hydrogen projects boost sustainable aviation

India took a monumental step towards decarbonizing its aviation sector recently by launching the feasibility of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) report. This report signifies the initiation of a greater policy and implementation roadmap to reduce emissions in one of the fastest growing aviation markets worldwide.

The report was produced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with technical assistance from both the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union under the ACT-SAF programme. The study investigated prospective pathways for producing and implementing SAF in India, while also complying with international CORSIA sustainability standards.

The findings were shared at a meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu as chair, along with Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, ICAO officials, DGCA officials, oil companies, as well as airplane manufacturers Boeing and Airbus.

Officials stated the findings from the workshop will provide direction for national policy frameworks to realize India's SAF blending objectives - 1% by 2027 for international flights, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030.

Progress is coming in the shape of Indian Oil's Panipat refinery accredited as India's first SAF production, expected to be operational this year.

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An official stated, "The workshop is expected to finalise policy and implementation steps, ensuring India meets its SAF blending targets while reducing crude oil imports by an estimated $5–7 billion annually and boosting farmer incomes through the use of crop residue".

The push for SAF is timely, as India's aviation industry carried 240 million passengers in 2024 and is expected to double by 2030. The demand for fuel is forecasted at 16 million tonnes by 2030 and 31 million tonnes by 2040 and with SAF lifecycle emissions reducible by up to 80%, this is key to account for the expected annual growth with respect to climate target commitments.

The other official added, "India is well positioned to become a global leader in SAF, because of its large agricultural base, availability of surplus biomass and strong refining capacity. Estimates suggest India could produce 8–10 million tonnes of SAF annually by 2040, more than domestic demand, opening export opportunities and creating up to 1.4 million green jobs".

In conjunction to support SAF, India has 88 airports that are powered by green energy across the country. Bengaluru Airport possesses the highest carbon accreditation on the planet, while Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad are carbon neutral airports.

There are also parallel initiatives complementing SAF in green hydrogen with Cochin Airport being the first airport in the world to build and operate a hydrogen production facility and companies like NTPC and Indian Oil developing large-scale projects.