India bets on green fuel to cut oil imports, raise farmers’ income

The Centre on Wednesday unveiled a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) roadmap that places India at the cusp of a major energy shift. It aims to reduce dependence on crude imports, cut carbon emissions and open new income streams for farmers.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has released the SAF Feasibility Study in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Backed by the EU, the study maps out how India can scale production of bio-based jet fuel from domestic feedstock such as agricultural residue, energy crops and municipal waste.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the country was ready to become self-sufficient in SAF production with blending targets of one percent by 2027, two percent by 2028 and five percent by 2030. He underlined that widespread adoption of SAF would cut annual emissions by up to 25 million tonnes, and also reduce India’s import bill, while supporting rural economies.

“With the availability of over 750 million metric tonnes of biomass and 230 million metric tonnes of surplus farm residue, India can meet its domestic demand and also position itself as an exporter,” Naidu said.

He argued that building a SAF value chain would channel farm waste into productive use, putting money directly into the hands of cultivators.

The study, conducted under ICAO’s ACT-SAF Programme, evaluates production pathways, infrastructure readiness and policy support required to create a viable domestic SAF market. Discussions in this regard are underway at a two-day workshop in Delhi with officials from ICAO, DGCA, EASA, industry and several ministries.

Naidu highlighted early steps have already been taken, including the certification of Indian Oil Corporation’s Panipat refinery as the country’s first SAF producer and the recognition of COTECNA Inspection India as the first certification body.

DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed noted that with passenger traffic expected to hit 500 million by 2030, building a sustainable fuel base was vital for long-term growth.

“India already runs one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient aircraft fleets in the world and has 88 airports operating on 100% green energy,” said Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha.

India