US-based Honeywell is accelerating efforts to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using locally available feedstocks. SAF, a biofuel with low sulphur content, offers a cleaner alternative to traditional jet fuel and can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%.
This aligns with the aviation sector’s push to lower its substantial share of global greenhouse gas emissions.
India’s SAF Mandates
India, under the CORSIA mandate, plans to blend 1% SAF with traditional jet fuel for international flights by 2027.
Domestically, the government is working on compulsory SAF blending for local flights, consulting with stakeholders such as the Ministry of Civil Aviation and oil marketing companies.
Leveraging Diverse Feedstocks
Honeywell is leveraging its technology to produce SAF from various feedstocks, including used cooking oil, waste fats, agricultural waste, captured CO2, green hydrogen, and municipal waste.
Ranjit Kulkarni, Vice President and General Manager for Energy and Sustainability Solutions at Honeywell India, highlighted ethanol and abundant biomass as key opportunities. “These resources will enable India to achieve its ambition of becoming a regional SAF hub,” he said.
Unlocking India’s Potential
Kulkarni emphasized India’s significant SAF production potential, driven by surplus agricultural residue estimated at 230 million tonnes. Utilizing this waste not only reduces pollution but also increases farmers’ incomes by 10-15%.
Additional feedstocks, such as municipal solid waste, sweet sorghum, and seaweed, further enhance capabilities.
A Global SAF Exporter
India’s strategic location near Middle Eastern and European airline hubs, coupled with cost advantages, positions it as a competitive SAF exporter.
As reported by thehindubusinessline, the rapidly growing aviation market, expected to reach 300 million domestic passengers by 2030, will drive SAF demand for both domestic and international flights.
According to a Deloitte India report, India could produce 8-10 million tonnes of SAF annually by 2040, surpassing its estimated domestic demand of 4.5 million tonnes, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable aviation fuel production.
