New Delhi

In a bid to develop “Make in India” bio-jet fuel, US-based Honeywell is actively advancing technologies that can use locally available feedstocks for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

SAF is a biofuel that is low in sulphur content, leading to lesser emissions.  Estimates suggest that SAF significantly reduces carbon emissions from the aviation sector, which is responsible for a substantial share of global greenhouse gas emissions. On average, SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions up to 80 per cent compared to the conventional jet fuel.

Accordingly, under the CORSIA (ICAO’s carbon offsetting and reduction scheme for international aviation) mandate, India is committed to blend 1 per cent SAF with traditional jet fuel for all international flights by 2027.

Domestic flights

Besides the international mandate, the Centre is actively looking to introduce compulsory blending requirements for domestic flights, based on further consultations with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation and oil marketing companies.

Speaking to businessline, Honeywell India’s Vice President and General Manager for Energy and Sustainability Solutions, Ranjit Kulkarni, said currently, Honeywell is leveraging technology to cover a wide range of feedstocks, including used cooking oils, waste fats, greases, agricultural waste, captured CO2, green hydrogen, and municipal waste.

“We continue working with national oil companies, private refiners, and new project developers to produce SAF, leveraging our technology portfolio,” Kulkarni said.

“Although multiple feedstock pathways are available, ethanol and vast biomass resources present a significant opportunity for SAF production, and we believe that capitalising on these will enable India’s ambition to be a regional hub for SAF.”

Opportunity for India

Kulkarni said Honeywell sees the SAF adoption trend as a significant opportunity to support India’s sustainability initiatives and to contribute to the “Make in India” programme.

“India has significant potential to become a global leader in SAF production, driven by its abundant agricultural resources, strategic position, and favourable economic conditions.”

Agri factor

A key factor in India’s SAF potential, said Kulkarni, is the country’s surplus agricultural residue, estimated at 230 million tonnes, which can serve as vital feedstock for SAF production. 

“Agricultural waste, such as crop residues, will not only provide a sustainable alternative to burning waste but also increase farmers’ incomes by 10-15 per cent,” he said.

“Additionally, feedstocks like ethanol, municipal solid waste (MSW), used cooking oil (UCO), and potential sources such as sweet sorghum and seaweed further enhance India’s SAF capabilities.”

Furthermore, he pointed out that India is strategically located to become a key SAF exporter. 

“Proximity to airline hubs in the Middle East and Europe and favourable cost structures position the country to meet rising global demand for SAF and make it a competitive player in the global aviation fuel market,” Kulkarni said.

India’s aviation market, according to Kulkarni, is experiencing rapid growth, with domestic passenger traffic expected to reach nearly 300 million by 2030. 

“This domestic expansion, combined with global sustainability mandates, increases the demand for SAF to power flights operating in and out of India.”

In addition, he said, global airlines are exploring partnerships to secure SAF supply chains, creating export opportunities for Indian producers.

As per a Deloitte India report, “Green Wings: India’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Revolution in the Making,” India has the potential to produce 8-10 million tonnes of SAF annually by 2040, surpassing its estimated domestic demand of 4.5 million tonnes for a 15 per cent SAF blending mandate in aviation.