India’s Biofuel Potential Boosts SAF Leadership
India’s biofuel sector, supported by 650 million tones of biomass and policies like the National Biofuel Policy, is driving SAF production to cut aviation emissions by up to 80%. With targets to produce 10 million tones of SAF by 2030 and major projects by Indian Oil, India is positioning itself as a global SAF leader—despite cost, feedstock, and infrastructure challenges.
India is using its enormous biofuel possibilities to take front in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), therefore supporting global decarbonisation objectives. Though obstacles remain, the country is well positioned to change aviation sustainability with lots of biomass and creative policies.
The Indian biofuel industry is helped by 650 million tonnes of annual biomass, which comprise agricultural waste like sugarcane bagasse and rice straw. Led by India beginning in 2023, the Global Biofuels Alliance champions SAF, which lowers aviation emissions by up to 80% relative to traditional jet fuel. Achieving 12% in 2023, the nation's ethanol mixing aim promotes a roadmap to create 10 million tonnes of SAF by 2030. With Indian Oil Corporation aiming for a 140,000-tonne SAF plant by 2027, incentives such the National Biofuel Policy and 5,000 crore spur investment.
Aviation makes up 2% of worldwide emissions, and Indias aviation industry, expanding 9% year, need sustainable answers. With testing by IndiGo and Air India indicating 50% emissions cuts, SAF generation from municipal trash and used cooking oil is becoming more popular. High manufacturing costs—30% more than those of jet fuel—and finite feedstock availability, however, present roadblocks. Critics contend that sending agricultural waste to SAF could affect soil quality, hence needing close control. X posts celebrate Indias SAF leadership but point out infrastructure deficits.
With intentions to scale to 10 billion by 2030, India's 400 ethanol plants 1G and 2G produce 4 billion litres every year. Scaling SAF needs global partnerships, as demonstrated by the BRICS-supported Tropical Forests Forever Facility that funds sustainable projects. Land restrictions and water scarcity in states like Punjab present challenge to feedstock development.
By placing India as a SAF leader, its biofuel drive helps net-zero targets. Overcoming cost and supply obstacles will be vital for maintaining this momentum.
Source: Indian Express
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