The first “technology demonstrator” flight utilizing biofuel was successfully carried out by Indian budget airline SpiceJet. With this landmark achievement, India now stands among few countries such as the USA, Australia, and Canada who have pioneered using biofuel for commercial flights. The impressive stride toward a more sustainable future was made possible by CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), which manufactured 330kg of biofuel for a 45-minute flight from Dehradun to Delhi.
The Biofuel Blend
For this pioneering flight, a blend of 75% traditional Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) and 25% oil extracted from the Jatropha plant was used. According to international standards, up to 50% biofuel can be mixed with ATF.
Significance of Biofuel Usage in Aviation
The aviation sector contributes to 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and employing biofuels in commercial flights could significantly reduce these emissions. This aligns with the fuel efficiency and carbon emission reduction targets set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), including an annual improvement of 1.5% in fuel efficiency from 2009 to 2020, capping net aviation carbon emissions (carbon-neutral growth) from 2020, and 50% reduction in net aviation emissions by 2050 relative to 2005 levels. Moreover, IATA aims to have 1 billion passengers flying on planes fueled by a mix of clean energy and fossil fuels by 2025.
Benefits of Aviation Biofuel
Aviation Biofuel not only reduces carbon emissions but also improves fuel efficiency. An international research programme led by NASA reported that biofuel usage can reduce particle emissions from jet exhaust by around 50%-70%. In addition, as the Indian aviation sector struggles with rising ATF prices, blending biofuel with ATF could help airlines mitigate these increases and potentially lower fares. Moreover, aviation biofuel usage will reduce India’s dependence on oil imports, preserving foreign exchange reserves.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the benefits, widespread commercial use of aviation biofuel is still a while away due to the lack of infrastructure for mass production and airport delivery. The production of first-generation biofuels also posed issues concerning food security. As such, a comprehensive policy on Aviation Biofuel is required, alongside research to facilitate commercial-level production and meet the demands of the aviation sector.
Biofuels: An Overview
Biofuels, derived from biomass, are fuels made from the biodegradable fraction of products, wastes, and residues from agricultural, forestry, industrial, and municipal sources. There exist four generations of biofuels – each varying in source material, production method, and environmental impact.
Benefits of Biofuel
Biofuel offers several advantages including its renewable nature, non-toxicity, and biodegradability. It does not contain sulphur, which causes acid rain, and is more environmentally friendly with less emissions compared to traditional fuels. Moreover, biofuel production can generate rural employment opportunities.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
The IATA is a global trade association representing approximately 290 airlines, covering 82% of total air traffic. Aside from setting industry standards, the organization supports many areas of aviation activity and helps formulate policies on critical aviation issues. It is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.