NEWS – Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country’s largest refiner, will start commercial production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at its Panipat refinery by December 2025. The unit recently received ISCC CORSIA certification to manufacture SAF from used cooking oil — a crucial step as India prepares for global decarbonisation mandates.

HIGHLIGHTS

What is SAF?

• Definition: Aviation biofuel derived from sustainable feedstocks with chemistry similar to Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
• Drop-in fuel: Can be blended with ATF without modifications in aircraft engines or infrastructure.
• Feedstocks: Used cooking oil, animal fats, algae oils, agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, sugars & starches.

Environmental Importance

• Aircraft emissions include NOx, aerosols, water vapour that cause contrails and enhance warming.
• SAF can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
• Accounts for 60% of aviation sector’s decarbonisation potential globally.

Benefits for India

• Emission reduction: Aligns with India’s net-zero targets.
• Energy security: Diversifies fuel sources, reduces oil import dependence.
• Economic impact: Boosts green jobs, shields aviation from crude oil volatility.

Barriers to Adoption

• High costs: Over twice that of ATF, raising ticket price concerns.
• Infrastructure needs: New blending, storage, and transport systems required.
• Feedstock constraints: Availability and sustainability of raw material uncertain.

Global & Policy Context

• CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation): From 2027, international flights must cap emissions at 2020 levels; SAF use is a compliance tool.
• India’s plan: National Biofuel Coordination Committee targets 1% blending in 2027, 2% in 2028 for international flights, with domestic mandates expected later.