In the world of aviation, the discussion on environmental impact has become imperative, leading to strategic global commitments towards curbing greenhouse gas emissions. However, India recently expressed its discord with these international directives, particularly in relation to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). These mandates, set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), aim for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Emphasizing that it is “too early” to commit to these goals, India insists on a tailored approach reflecting national plans.
Understanding India’s Standpoint on SAF Mandates
India calls for flexibility towards national strategies in achieving carbon net-zero targets. This proposal was conveyed at the 41st ICAO Assembly held in South Korea, where India requested more support from ICAO in achieving its carbon neutrality goal. India also highlighted the need to meet growing passenger demands and other aviation sector concerns. Key to this is the availability of SAFs before imposing volumetric mandates, with its ideology aligning with the Long-Term Global Aspirational Goal (LTAG).
Introduction to Sustainable Aviation Fuel
SAF, also known as Bio-Jet Fuel is made using domestically developed methods from cooking oil and plant seeds high in oils. The U.S Federal Aviation Administration Clearinghouse conducts rigorous testing on SAF samples to certify them against the ASTM D4054 standards, a process governed by ASTM International, an organization that develops technical standards for products and procedures. Some sources used for creating fuel include non-edible and edible oils, and used cooking oil from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP).
The Importance of SAF Scaling in India
The increase in SAF production and consumption in India could lead to various benefits such as reducing GHG emissions, improving air quality, enhancing energy security, creating jobs in renewable energy, and promoting sustainable development. SAF, which can be blended with regular jet fuel, also has lower sulfur content than traditional fuel, concurrently decreasing air pollution and supporting India’s net-zero emissions target.
The Trials and Tribulations of SAF
However, the road to SAF integration is not without hurdles. The high cost of processes such as biomass or waste oils conversion into fuel makes it economically challenging. The aviation sector requires an extensive supply chain for steady SAF supply, but current infrastructure fails to support this. The competition with other industries for resources such as agricultural residues, algae, and waste oils presents another issue. Certification processes, with their rigorous quality and sustainability standards, are complex and time-consuming, further hindering SAF adoption.
India’s Climate Commitments and Global Initiatives
India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, also committing to reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by 45% by 2030. It has called on developed countries to provide a climate finance of USD 1 trillion at the earliest. In April 2023, the European Union set binding targets for airlines within Europe, mandating increased use of SAF. This will require 2% of fuel supplies at EU airports to be SAF by 2025, reaching 70% by 2050.
About International Civil Aviation Organisation
Established in 1944, ICAO is a United Nations specialised agency that sets the protocol for peaceful global air navigation. Its foundation was laid through the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the ‘Chicago Convention’. The organisation fosters the safe and orderly growth of international civil aviation globally.
The Path Forward
India’s reservations about global SAF mandates underscore its goal to tackle climate change while respecting national contexts. It seeks ICAO’s assistance in aligning sustainability goals with other challenges in aviation. Collaborations between stakeholders and investment in alternative feedstock sources like municipal solid waste and agricultural waste can help establish efficient SAF supply chains, paving the way for a sustainable future in air travel.
