Why in news?
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published a comprehensive Global Feedstock Assessment on the potential for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The study, prepared with Worley Consulting, projects that around 400 million tonnes (Mt) of SAF could be produced annually by 2050 using available biomass and power‑to‑liquid technologies – yet global aviation will require about 500 Mt to achieve net‑zero carbon emissions. The report identifies India as a major future supplier of SAF feedstock, highlighting its diverse biomass resources and expanding ethanol industry.
Background on IATA
IATA is the trade association for the world’s airlines. Founded in April 1945 in Havana, Cuba as the successor to the International Air Traffic Association, it initially had 57 member airlines from 31 countries. Today, it represents about 300 airlines carrying roughly 94 % of international scheduled air traffic. The organisation works to standardise airline operations, improve safety and advocate for the industry. In recent years, environmental sustainability has become a core focus, with initiatives such as “Fly Net Zero” aiming for carbon‑neutral growth.
Key findings of the feedstock assessment
- Global potential: The study estimates that, by 2050, around 400 Mt of SAF could be produced annually. This would cover roughly 80 % of aviation’s projected fuel demand, leaving a 100 Mt gap to be filled through further technological innovation and energy efficiency.
- Role of policy: Achieving this potential depends on supportive policies, rapid scale‑up of bio‑refineries and development of power‑to‑liquid (PtL) technologies. The report stresses that technology rollout, rather than feedstock availability, is the main bottleneck.
- Regional hotspots: North America, Brazil, China, parts of Europe and India are identified as hotspots for feedstock availability. These regions possess abundant agricultural residues, waste oils and renewable energy resources.
South Asia and India
- Diverse feedstock base: South Asia, particularly India and Pakistan, has plentiful agricultural residues such as rice straw, corn stover and sugarcane bagasse. In India alone, these could provide around 150 Mt of feedstock for SAF by 2030 and 220 Mt by 2050.
- India’s potential: India holds over 80 % of South Asia’s biomass resources and is poised to become a key SAF producer. The report notes India’s experience with ethanol blending, its position as the world’s third‑largest ethanol producer and its strong refining capacity. The government’s PM JI‑VAN scheme supports bio‑ethanol production from agricultural waste.
- Policy targets: India has announced SAF blending mandates of 1 % by 2027, 2 % by 2028 and 5 % by 2030. Incentives such as tax breaks, land subsidies and capital assistance are offered to attract investors.
- Feedstock types: Potential feedstocks include sugar‑ and starch‑based ethanol, used cooking oil and animal tallow, agricultural and forestry residues, and municipal solid waste. The report suggests that India could produce around 100 Mt of SAF feedstock by 2030 and 150 Mt by 2050.
Importance of SAF for aviation
- Decarbonisation: Sustainable aviation fuels can reduce life‑cycle greenhouse‑gas emissions by up to 80 % compared with conventional jet fuel. They are crucial for meeting the aviation industry’s commitment to net‑zero carbon emissions by 2050.
- Economic opportunity: Developing SAF offers new markets for farmers, waste management companies and refineries. Countries with abundant biomass, like India, can create jobs and attract investment.
- Challenges: High production costs, the need for large‑scale infrastructure and competition with food crops for land and feedstock remain obstacles. The report calls for clear policies, financing mechanisms and international cooperation.
Sources: The Hindu
