Why in News?
- IOC to start commercial SAF production at Panipat refinery by Dec 2025.
- Certified under ISCC CORSIA standards.
- Annual capacity: 35,000 tonnes, using Used Cooking Oil (UCO).
- First major buyers: European airlines due to blending mandates.SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL
About SAF
- Bio-based alternative to jet fuel.
- Feedstocks: UCO, agri residues, forestry waste, non-edible crops.
- Drop-in fuel: blends with Jet A fuel (up to 50%).
- Certified by international aviation bodies.
Benefits
- Compatible with existing engines & infrastructure.
- Cuts GHG emissions by up to 94%.
- Energy security – reduces crude imports.
- Economic opportunity – new markets for farmers, waste collectors.
- Export potential due to global SAF mandates.
IOC’s First Commercial SAF Plant
- Location: Panipat refinery.
- Capacity: 35,000 tonnes/year.
- Feedstock: Used Cooking Oil (UCO).
- First Indian firm with ISCC CORSIA certification.
- Helps airlines meet CORSIA obligations (2027 onwards).
India’s SAF Targets
- 1% blending by 2027, 2% by 2028 (international flights).
- Domestic blending to follow later.
Challenges
- Collection bottlenecks – UCO from small eateries/households.
- High cost – ~3x conventional jet fuel.
- Feedstock availability – large-scale consistent supply needed.
- Policy delays – mandates postponed to 2027.
Future Pathways
- IOC exploring Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology (ethanol-based).
- Other firms working on alternate SAF routes, awaiting certification.
👉 This development marks a major step in India’s green aviation transition.