Why in the news?

• Indian Oil Corporation is preparing for commercial production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at its Panipat refinery by 2025 December.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

• What is it?:
  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a type of aviation fuel that is produced from renewable sources, unlike traditional fossil-based jet fuels.
  • It is considered sustainable because it has a significantly lower carbon footprint and reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
• Sources of fuel:
  • It can be derived from various feedstocks, such as plant oils, agricultural waste, forestry residues, and municipal solid waste.
• Benefits:
  • It has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
  • It can be used in existing aircraft engines without modifications and can be blended with conventional jet fuel, making it relatively easy to integrate into existing aviation infrastructure.
  • Economic benefits include –
    • Reduction in the share of imported oil.
    • Creation of a new market for farmers (farm wastes) and waste managers (Potent Domestic and industrial wastes).
    • Export market for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
  • Environmental impact of collection and recycling of biodegradable wastes.
• Concerns:
  • Four times more expensive than traditional fossil jet fuel.
  • Scarcity of waste-based feedstock.
  • Lower energy density than traditional jet fuel.