Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Context
With the recent surge in the global aviation industry and the increasing demand for air travel in India, concerns about carbon emissions from aviation have become a major focus.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Introduction
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a biofuel designed to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry. Produced from renewable resources such as used cooking oil, agricultural residues, and municipal waste, SAF offers a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil-based jet fuels. Its importance lies in its potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel. As the aviation sector is responsible for approximately 2.5% of global carbon emissions, transitioning to SAF is crucial for achieving net-zero targets by 2050. Additionally, SAF can be used in existing aircraft engines without modifications, making it a practical solution for immediate implementation. By promoting energy security, supporting rural economies, and contributing to cleaner air, SAF plays a vital role in the sustainable development of the aviation industry.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), also known as bio-jet fuel, is produced using domestically developed methods from cooking oil and oil-rich seeds from plants.
- The SAF samples produced by various institutes are undergoing rigorous testing at the US Federal Aviation Administration Clearinghouse to meet the standards required for the ASTM D4054 certification from ASTM International.
Sources of Production
- The CSIR-IIP has developed fuel using a variety of materials, including non-edible and edible oils as well as used cooking oil.
- They have utilized sources such as palm stearin, sapium oil, palm fatty acid distillates, algae oil, karanja, and jatropha.
Benefits of SAF Scaling in India
- Scaling up the production and use of SAF in India can offer numerous benefits, including reducing GHG emissions, improving air quality, enhancing energy security, creating jobs in the renewable energy sector, and promoting sustainable development.
- It can also help the aviation industry meet its environmental targets and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
- Biofuel for aviation can be blended with regular jet fuel and used together. Compared to traditional fuel, it has lower sulfur content, which can decrease air pollution and support India’s goal of achieving Net Zero emissions.
Aviation Sector
- The aviation sector involves the development and operation of heavier-than-air aircraft, including airplanes, helicopters, gliders, and drones.
- The aviation sector provides a rapid worldwide transportation network that drives economic growth, creates jobs, and facilitates international trade and tourism.
- Economic Growth
- Air travel is crucial for trade, business, and tourism. Every day, 128,000 flights carry 12.5 million passengers and $18 billion worth of world trade.
- It contributes $3.5 trillion to global GDP and supports 87.7 million jobs worldwide.
- Connectivity
- The aviation sector links major cities and small communities 24 hours a day, making flying one of the safest and quickest ways to travel.
- Air cargo transports goods like electronics and fresh produce, ensuring timely deliveries and promoting global trade growth.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), India is poised to become the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030.
Need to Switch to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- Aviation is Carbon-Intensive: Although air travel contributes only 2.5% of global carbon emissions, this figure is likely to rise as more people opt for air travel.
- Increased Demand for Air Travel: A growing aspirational middle-class, particularly in developing countries like India, has driven the expansion of the aviation sector. The Indian Brand Equity Foundation predicts that India will need over 2,800 new commercial aircraft in the next 20 years.
- Increased Jet Fuel Demand: Jet fuel demand, which was at 8 million barrels per day (Mbpd) in 2019, could rise to 18 Mbpd by 2050 as the global population increases by 25%.
- Pollution by Aviation Fuels: Today’s aviation fuels, primarily Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), consist mainly of hydrocarbon compounds and specific additives. They emit CO2 when burned. ATF, also known as jet fuel, is a petroleum-based fuel that powers aircraft with gas-turbine engines and contains hydrocarbons like paraffins, cycloparaffins, aromatics, and olefins.
- Alteration of Atmospheric Gases: Aviation fuels cause a short-term increase but a long-term decrease in ozone and methane. They also increase emissions of water vapour, soot, sulphur aerosols, and water contrails.
- Net Global Warming: While some impacts of aviation fuels result in global warming and others in cooling, the overall effect is a stronger warming impact, estimated at 4% by most studies.
Efforts for Promoting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Worldwide
- CORSIA Program: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) to address aviation emissions. CORSIA requires airlines to offset any emissions above 2020 levels and encourages the use of SAF to reduce emissions in the first place.
- Clean Skies for Tomorrow Initiative: The World Economic Forum has launched the Clean Skies for Tomorrow initiative, which aims to accelerate the production and use of SAF. This initiative brings together stakeholders from the aviation, fuel, and technology sectors to collaborate on developing and scaling up SAF production.
- SAF Blending Targets: The European Union (EU) has established blending targets for sustainable aviation fuel to reduce GHG emissions from aviation. Starting in 2025, the blending of SAF with conventional jet fuel made of gasoline and kerosene will begin at 2%. The blending targets will increase every five years, with a goal of reaching 63% SAF blending by 2050.
- Sustainable Skies Act and SAF Production Incentives: To encourage the use and production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the United States, the US Congress introduced the Sustainable Skies Act in May 2021. The Sustainable Skies Act provides a $1 billion grant over five years to expand the number of SAF-producing facilities in the US.
Challenges Associated with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- High Cost: The production processes for SAF, such as converting biomass or waste oils into fuel, are currently more expensive than traditional jet fuel. This cost differential makes it economically challenging for airlines to invest in SAF production and use, especially given the margin-sensitive nature of the aviation industry.
- Limited Resource Availability: The aviation industry requires a robust supply chain to ensure an adequate and reliable supply of SAF. However, the current infrastructure for production, storage, and distribution is not well-developed, hindering the scaling up of SAF production and its availability in the market.
- Feedstock Availability: SAF production heavily relies on sustainable feedstocks such as agricultural residues, algae, and waste oils. However, there is limited availability of these feedstocks, and competition for resources with other industries like food and agriculture. Balancing the demand for sustainable feedstocks while ensuring food security and other essential needs poses a significant challenge.
- Certification Process: The certification process for SAF involves stringent quality and sustainability criteria, which can be complex and time-consuming. The lack of globally recognized standards further complicates the certification process, making it difficult to achieve widespread acceptance and use.
- Public Awareness: There is a need to raise public awareness and understanding of the benefits of SAF. Encouraging greater support from policymakers and investors is crucial to drive the adoption and scaling of SAF in the aviation industry.
Way Forward
- India’s Commitment and Support from ICAO: India’s stance on global SAF mandates underscores its commitment to addressing climate change while considering its national plans and special circumstances. India seeks support from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to balance sustainability goals with other aviation sector priorities.
- Global Collaboration: As the world moves towards decarbonizing aviation, it is crucial to find common ground and work together to achieve a sustainable future for air travel. Collaboration between stakeholders, including airlines, fuel producers, and research institutions, can help build a more integrated and efficient SAF supply chain.
- Investing in Research: Investing in research to develop new feedstock sources for SAF production, such as municipal solid waste and agricultural waste, can help increase feedstock availability and reduce competition with other industries.
- Regulations and Standards: Governments and international organizations need to implement regulations and standards aimed at reducing aviation’s environmental impact. This includes setting clear guidelines for SAF production and use.
- Sustainable Technologies: Investing in sustainable technologies can lead to long-term cost savings, create new job opportunities, and drive innovation within the aviation industry. This investment is essential for the continued growth and sustainability of the sector.
Conclusion
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is essential for mitigating the aviation industry’s environmental impact, offering a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuels. As air travel demand rises, particularly in countries like India, the need for SAF becomes increasingly urgent to address the sector’s carbon footprint. SAF not only supports environmental sustainability but also enhances energy security and promotes economic growth through job creation in the renewable energy sector. Global initiatives like the CORSIA program and the Clean Skies for Tomorrow initiative are pivotal in driving SAF adoption. By investing in research, developing new feedstock sources, and implementing supportive policies, the aviation industry can transition towards a more sustainable future. Embracing SAF is crucial for balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility, ensuring a cleaner and greener future for air travel.
Reference: IE
Related PYQ
Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain. [UPSC CSE – 2022 Mains]
Practice Question
Discuss the role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India’s aviation sector. How can SAF contribute to India’s environmental goals and economic growth? Critically analyze the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of SAF in India. (250 words, 15 marks)