Article:
The Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), a laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), recently partnered with Boeing, Indigo, Spicejet, and the three Tata airlines – Air India, Vistara, and AirAsia India to support the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). With increasing concerns over Greenhouse Gas Emissions, SAF serves as an important solution for achieving the Net Zero Emission goals.
Understanding Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), also known as bio-jet fuel, is produced domestically using cooking oil and oil-rich seeds from plants. The SAF samples produced by institutes are undergoing stringent testing at the US Federal Aviation Administration Clearinghouse. They aim to meet the standards required for the ASTM D4054 certification from ASTM International.
In this innovative process, CSIR-IIP has created fuel utilizing various materials such as non-edible and edible oils, including used cooking oil. Their sources range from palm stearin, sapium oil, palm fatty acid distillates, algae oil, karanja, to jatropha.
The Potential Impact of SAF in India
Enhancing the production and use of SAF in India can lead to multiple benefits. It can effectively reduce GHG emissions, improve air quality, enhance energy security, promote sustainable development, and create jobs in the renewable energy sector. Blending biofuel with regular jet fuel not only reduces sulfur content, thereby diminishing air pollution but also aids India in its mission to achieving Net Zero emissions.
What does the ASTM Certification entail?
ASTM International, once known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, is a global organization that develops technical standards for a vast range of products, materials, and systems. These standards secure quality, safety, and reliability in products and processes. Earning the ASTM certification suggests that a product or material has successfully met certain requirements, such as safety standards, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
Global Efforts in Promoting SAF
The world has recognized the importance of SAF, seen through various initiatives globally. The International Civil Aviation Organization has established CORSIA, aiming to counterbalance emissions exceeding 2020 levels and encourages the use of SAF to reduce emissions. The World Economic Forum’s Clean Skies for Tomorrow initiative aims at accelerating SAF production and use by bringing together aviation, fuel, and technology sectors. Furthermore, the European Union has set blending targets with an aim of reaching 63% SAF blending in 2050. In addition, the US Congress’ Sustainable Skies Act provides a $1 billion grant for expanding SAF-producing facilities in the US.
Challenges Associated with SAF
While SAF has significant potential, it faces challenges such as high production costs, limited infrastructure for production, storage, and distribution, feedstock availability, complex certification processes, and lack of public awareness.
Proposed way forward
Tackling these challenges involves increased investment, supportive policy and regulatory frameworks, collaborative efforts, creating public awareness, and developing new feedstock sources. This collaboration can lead to a more efficiently integrated SAF supply chain, generate increased demand, and garner greater support from policymakers and investors for SAF.