The Future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India’s Bioenergy Mix
As India accelerates its transition toward cleaner energy, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is emerging as a critical pillar within the country’s expanding bioenergy ecosystem. Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize due to its reliance on high-energy liquid fuels and the long lifespan of aircraft. SAF offers a practical and scalable pathway to significantly reduce aviation emissions without requiring major changes to aircraft engines or airport infrastructure.
SAF is produced from renewable feedstocks such as agricultural residues, used cooking oil, non-food oils, municipal solid waste, and advanced biomass. Compared to conventional jet fuel, SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60–80 percent, depending on the production pathway. For India, with its abundant agricultural resources and growing biofuel capabilities, SAF represents both an environmental solution and a strategic economic opportunity.
India’s bioenergy journey has already gained momentum through ethanol blending, biogas, and bio-based power generation. SAF fits naturally into this evolving mix. Many of the technologies used in ethanol and bio-refinery operations—such as fermentation, distillation, feedstock handling, and waste management—can be leveraged or adapted for SAF production. This creates a strong case for integration, allowing existing distillery and bioenergy players to diversify into higher-value fuels for aviation.
The demand outlook for SAF in India is promising. Air travel in the country is projected to grow rapidly over the next two decades, driven by rising incomes, regional connectivity, and expanding airline fleets. At the same time, global and domestic pressure to cut aviation emissions is increasing. Airlines are committing to net-zero targets, and SAF is currently the most viable near-term option to meet these goals. As blending mandates and voluntary commitments gain traction worldwide, India has an opportunity to position itself as a competitive SAF producer and supplier.
However, challenges remain. SAF production costs are currently higher than conventional jet fuel, and large-scale commercial facilities are still limited. Feedstock aggregation, supply-chain logistics, and technology selection will play a decisive role in determining viability. Supportive policies, long-term offtake agreements, and financial incentives will be essential to bridge the initial cost gap and encourage investment.
From a sustainability perspective, SAF also aligns with India’s broader goals of rural development and circular economy. Utilizing agricultural residues and waste streams can create additional income for farmers, reduce open burning, and promote efficient resource use. When produced responsibly, SAF can deliver climate benefits while strengthening local economies.
Looking ahead, SAF has the potential to become a high-impact component of India’s bioenergy mix. With the right blend of policy support, industry collaboration, and technological innovation, India can move from pilot projects to commercial-scale production. In doing so, the country can not only decarbonize aviation but also reinforce its leadership in sustainable fuels, energy security, and green growth.