Nod for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Aircrafts
Context:
The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has notified a crucial administrative amendment to the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001.
This notification officially brings Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) blended with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)—which includes renewable fuels derived from alternative feedstocks like crops and biogenic waste—under the formal regulatory ambit of the ATF Control Order.
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?
SAF consists of specially processed aviation-grade hydrocarbons.
Crucially, these are chemically similar to traditional ATF and are fully compatible with existing aircraft engines, meaning they do not alter the fundamental safety or performance of the aviation fuel.
As recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), SAF is a renewable fuel derived from alternative feedstocks.
These include agricultural crops, biogenic residues, and various waste materials, offering significant reductions in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.
Regulatory Standards and CORSIA:
Testing & Compliance:
To be accepted for aviation use, SAF must undergo rigorous ICAO-recognized testing processes as per ASTM International.
In India, the blended fuel must meet the stringent quality specifications of IS 17081 blended with ATF (meeting IS 1571).
The 2027 Deadline:
This amendment is vital for aligning India with the CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) framework.
The mandatory phase of CORSIA begins in 2027, requiring international flights to offset emissions above a baseline level.
SAF must meet specific sustainability criteria to qualify as CORSIA-eligible fuel (CEF).
Global Mandates and India's Position:
Several nations are enforcing mandatory SAF blending.
The European Union and the UK require 2% blending by 2025.
Similarly, Japan has mandated 10% SAF by 2030
Singapore will require 1% SAF for international flights starting in 2026.