Aviation has transformed human life in unimaginable ways and propelled the global economy to another level. Global trade reached its true potential with the dawn of aviation which connected businesses , people and cultures across the globe. But, behind the curtain there was also the rise of another problem- high greenhouse gasses emission. The aviation greenhouse gasses emission share now stands around 2-2.5% of total and it is now four times than that of 1966 levels. It really becomes important now to address this issue as the global & India aviation passenger market is only going to grow further. The sustainable aviation fluid SAF has shown CO2 emission reduction upto 80% compared to traditional fuels. This is significant considering the rising share of aviation amongst transportation emissions. The emission of other gasses such as Sulfur oxides and Nitrogen oxides is lesser too.
In fact, India’s domestic market is also showing tremendous growth with almost 8-10% CAGR till end of decade.
One possible solution could be Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
This is biofuel, made by processing various forms of animal and plant waste. The feedstock can be anything from sugarcane, corn grain, sugar beet, various types of oils to used cooking oil and municipal solid waste. Although there are a number of processes to convert waste biomass to fuel, only few are certified to produce SAF for commercial aviation. Out of these processes, HEFA processed biofuel is most widely available commercially and is made by hydrotreating various types of feedstocks. Other processes are Fischer-Tropsch, Catalytic Hydrothermolysis etc.
The SAF can be blended with existing jet fuel without additional processing. Current maximum permissible limit is 50% but expected to reach near 100% by the end of 2030. Even though there is intent from the industry, the supply of SAF is still very limited and there is a need for increasing commercial production facilities across the globe.
So how SAF is beneficial?
The sustainable aviation fluid SAF has shown CO2 emission reduction upto 80% compared to traditional fuels. This is significant considering the rising share of aviation amongst transportation emissions. The emission of other gasses such as Sulfur oxides and Nitrogen oxides is lesser too.
Not only environmental benefits, but this also provides an additional income source for feedstock manufacturers such as farmers. Usage of SAF also keeps the engine in better condition as there is lesser composition of aromatic compounds, making fuel cleaner.
India’s progress with SAF
India witnessed its first commercial flight with fuel blended with SAF (1%) on May 19 , 2023. This was the combined efforts of PRAJ Industries, IOCL and Air Asia. India has committed to blend 10% of SAF with traditional fuel by 2030. As per Ministry, 1% blending by year 2025 would require 140 million liter SAF per year. India has high feedstock potential and potential SAF production capacity of 19 to 24 mn tonnes per annum while estimated maximum SAF requirement (50% blend) is only around 8-10 mn tonn/year. With right sourcing of feedstock and correct policies, India might capture possible export opportunities for SAF!
Rapid investment and infrastructure development are crucial to boost Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, or we may face supply constraints. According to S&P, SAF demand could reach up to 5.8% of global jet fuel demand by 2050. This would translate to more than 37 billion liters of SAF required.