What Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel And Its Challenges?

Recently, the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), a laboratory operating under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has formed partnerships with prominent aviation companies such as Boeing, Indigo, and Spicejet, as well as with the three Tata Airlines - Air India, Vistara, and AirAsia India.

This collaboration aims to promote the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional aviation fuel.

Expanding the production and utilisation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in India can lead to numerous advantages, such as lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving air quality, bolstering energy security, generating employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector, and advancing sustainable development.

Further, SAF can assist the aviation industry in meeting its environmental objectives and contribute to worldwide efforts to combat climate change.

Biofuel for aviation can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used together. It has a lower sulfur content compared to traditional fuel, which can reduce air pollution and support India's aim of achieving Net Zero emissions.

AFP/Representational Image

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel also known as bio-jet fuel, is a type of fuel that is produced through domestically developed methods using cooking oil and oil-rich seeds from plants.

The production of SAF aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry and promote environmental sustainability.

Currently, the SAF samples produced by the participating institutes are undergoing rigorous testing at the US Federal Aviation Administration Clearinghouse to ensure that they meet the necessary standards for ASTM D4054 certification from ASTM International.

The CSIR-IIP has produced fuel from a variety of materials, including non-edible and edible oils, as well as used cooking oil. They have used several sources, such as palm stearin, sapium oil, palm fatty acid distillates, algae oil, karanja, and jatropha, according to Down to Earth.

What are the challenges?

The production and utilisation of Sustainable Aviation Fuel face several challenges that need to be addressed. The cost of producing SAF is higher than traditional jet fuel, making it economically unfeasible for airlines to invest in SAF production and use.

AFP/Representational Image

There is limited infrastructure for the production, storage, and distribution of SAF, making it difficult to scale up the production and supply of SAF.

Further, the limited availability of feedstock for SAF production, and there is competition for resources from other industries, such as the food and agriculture sectors.

The certification process for SAF is complex and time-consuming, and a lack of globally recognised standards for SAF production. Also, there is a need to raise public awareness and understanding of the benefits of SAF and to encourage greater support from policymakers and investors.

World and SAF

Reuters/Representational Image

Efforts to promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel worldwide include the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) program by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Clean Skies for Tomorrow initiative by the World Economic Forum, and the Sustainable Skies Act introduced by the US Congress.

The EU has established blending targets for SAF to reduce GHG emissions from aviation, starting at 2% in 2025 and aiming for 63% blending by 2050.

However, challenges remain in promoting SAF, including high production costs, limited resource availability, complex certification processes, and a need for greater public awareness and support.