India is preparing to launch a pilot project to supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, marking a step toward greener aviation, reported The Hindu BusinessLine.
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) recently received certification to produce SAF at its Panipat refinery, paving the way for domestic production.
The SAF blend will be developed using the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) method, relying on feedstock such as used cooking oil and agricultural residue like rice straw (parali).
Delhi was selected for the pilot as IOC’s Panipat refinery already supplies aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to the airport via a dedicated pipeline.
“That is the beauty of SAF. You don’t have to change the infrastructure to implement it. It’s like fossil fuel,” said the Deputy Director of the Environment Branch, Air Transport Bureau, at the UN body International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as quoted by The Hindu BusinessLine.
Hupe noted that India’s existing fuel distribution pipeline is a major asset, reducing the need for costly new infrastructure.
“The infrastructure they already have to produce and distribute fuel to the airport can also be used for SAF, and that’s a big plus for this technology,” she told businessline.
SAF is central to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), a global effort to reduce aviation emissions. The scheme is being implemented in three phases, with voluntary participation from 2021 to 2026.
India has opted out of the voluntary phase but will begin offsetting obligations for international carriers under CORSIA from 2027. The scheme applies to international flights between two countries.
To meet these future obligations, the Indian government plans to introduce SAF blending targets in aviation fuel. These start with a 1% SAF blend in ATF in 2027, rising to 2% in 2028, and 5% by 2030.
India is also working on a comprehensive policy to support both the production and use of SAF.
