India's Environment Ministry Sets Conditions for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production
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New Delhi: In a move aimed at reducing the aviation industry's carbon footprint, India's Environment Ministry has clarified that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production will require prior environmental clearance. This decision brings SAF under the same regulatory umbrella as the petroleum refining industry. According to the ministry, SAF production involves processes similar to those used in the petroleum industry, including isomerization and cracking. This ruling is expected to bring clarity to the sector and pave the way for increased production of SAF. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that SAF could contribute up to 65% of the reduction in emissions needed by the aviation industry to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. To meet this demand, SAF production will need to increase significantly. SAF is a liquid fuel used in commercial aviation that can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%. It can be produced from waste oil and fats, municipal waste, non-food crops, or even synthesized using carbon captured directly from the air. The production of SAF is considered sustainable as it does not compete with food crops or water supplies and does not contribute to forest degradation.
