Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
India draft proposes rising sustainable fuel use on international flights
India has proposed requiring sustainable aviation fuel in international flights, but the policy is still a draft.
Sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, is made from non-petroleum materials and can be blended with conventional jet fuel.
One account says the requirement would start at 1% in January, while another gives a 1% target for 2027; both describe increases to 5% by 2030.
A target of 20% by 2040 is mentioned, but the draft says it is indicative and still subject to a decision by the National Council on SAF.
The government may offer financial support to domestic producers, including tax measures and a proposed ₹500 crore fund, because SAF could cost two to three times more than regular jet fuel.
The policy says SAF could cut lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%, and only fuel made in India would count toward the proposed requirement.
The final targets and start date remain unsettled as the draft awaits further decisions.
India’s draft policy proposes phased sustainable aviation fuel blending requirements for international flights.
The proposed targets are 1% in 2027, 2% in 2028, 3% in 2029 and 5% in 2030.
The draft says targets beyond 2030, including 20% by 2040, are indicative and would be considered by the National Council on SAF.
The Centre’s draft says SAF could cost at least two to three times as much as conventional jet fuel.
Airlines have said that reducing SAF production costs will be important to meeting emissions targets.
- Who
- India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation proposed the policy. Fuel suppliers would have to meet the blending requirements.
- What
- A draft policy proposes phased SAF blending requirements for international flights.
- When
- The draft sets targets of 1% in 2027, rising to 5% in 2030. A separate report says the requirement would start in January, without specifying the year.
- Where
- International flights covered under ICAO’s CORSIA framework; the draft says only SAF manufactured in India would qualify.
- Why
- To encourage SAF use and reduce aviation emissions. The draft says SAF can cut lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80% compared with conventional jet fuel.
India’s Centre
Airlines
Cost and feasibility
India’s Centre
The draft proposes phased blending mandates and financial incentives to support SAF production.
Airlines
Airlines have stressed that without lower SAF production costs, it will be difficult to meet emissions targets.
ICAO member states agreed to a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero carbon dioxide emissions from aviation by 2050.
The draft proposes a 1% SAF blend for international aviation.
The draft proposes a 2% SAF blend.
The draft proposes a 3% SAF blend.
The draft proposes a 5% SAF blend.
The draft mentions a 20% target as indicative.
- Proposed 2027 blend
- 1%
- Proposed 2030 blend
- 5%
- Indicative 2040 target
- 20%
- Estimated SAF cost
- At least two to three times the cost of conventional jet fuel
- Potential lifecycle emissions reduction
- Up to 80%
- Proposed innovation seed fund
- About ₹500 crore
3 sources
What people are saying
SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80% compared with conventional jet fuel.
indicative
economic tankering