India’s First Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Plant from Used Cooking Oil

Source: Indian Express

Context: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will begin commercial production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from used cooking oil at its Panipat refinery by December 2025.

About Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

• Definition: SAF is a biofuel derived from renewable feedstocks like used cooking oil, ethanol, and agricultural residues.

• Chemistry: Similar to conventional Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF); can be blended and used in existing aircraft engines.

• Global Significance: Accounts for 60% of projected aviation decarbonisation; reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil jet fuel.

• Compatibility: Airbus and other major aircraft makers approve up to 50% SAF blends.

Benefits of SAF

• Carbon Reduction – Cuts lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil-based ATF.

• Compatibility – Works in existing aircraft with blends up to 50%, as certified by Airbus and others.

• Energy Security – Utilises waste streams like used cooking oil, reducing import dependency.

• Global Compliance – Helps airlines meet CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) requirements.

• Export Potential – Europe already has blending mandates, making India a potential supplier.

India’s First SAF Plant – Panipat Refinery

• Capacity: 35,000 tonnes/year by end-2025.

• Feedstock: Used cooking oil collected from hotels, restaurants, and large food businesses (e.g., Haldiram’s).

• Certification: Received ISCC CORSIA certification, allowing compliance with ICAO’s global carbon offsetting scheme.

• Potential Buyers: European airlines operating in India, given EU blending mandates.

• Future Pathways: IOC also working on alcohol-to-jet technology using ethanol.

Challenges

• High Cost: SAF is nearly three times costlier than conventional jet fuel.

• Collection of Feedstock: Easy from large hotels, but difficult from small eateries and households.

• Industry Resistance: Airlines fear fuel cost escalation.

• Scale-Up Needs: Current capacity meets initial blending target but must expand for long-term sustainability.