India is set to begin sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production by the end of the year, according to a senior industry official quoted in a Hindu Businessline report.
The country had abundant feedstocks to meet SAF domestic demand and exports in the future, Jane Hupe, deputy director (environment branch, Air Transport Bureau) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations (UN) body, was quoted as saying in the 15 September report.
“India will be producing SAF from hydro-processed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) by the end of the year,” Hupe said.
SAF production is expected to begin by the end of 2025 at Indian Oil Corporation’s (IOCL) refinery in Panipat, according to the report.
Although the country’s SAF blending mandates do not officially take effect until 2027, Hupe indicated that early production, even if delayed slightly, would boost confidence in the sector.
Hupe was in India to discuss a study conducted under the ICAO’s SAF programme with stakeholders.
The study highlighted India’s strong feedstock availability and policy momentum, positioning the country to not only meet domestic SAF demand but also potentially become an exporter in the future, Hindu Businessline wrote.
According to latest estimates, India has more than 750M tonnes of available biomass and almost 230M tonnes of surplus agricultural residue for use as feedstock.
The study also outlined multiple technological pathways for SAF production in India, including the HEFA process utilising used cooking oil (UCO), Hupe said.
“This process is relatively de-risked and ready for immediate deployment,” she added.
The alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) process was also being explored.
The ICAO’s study also outlined policy tools that the Indian government could adopt to support the growth of SAF production, such as mandates, financial incentives and market creation strategies.
At the time of the report, SAF was almost three to four times as expensive as traditional jet fuel but price reduction would come alongside increased production, Hupe added.
