February 12, 2024 [BNN]-Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, sees India and Brazil as global frontrunners in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. By mandating SAF blending with jet fuel, India could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector, and Indian airlines could lessen their reliance on international hubs for long-haul flights.
Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Housing & Urban Affairs, champions a monumental shift in India’s aviation fuel landscape. In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol at the India Energy Week 2024, Puri articulated the urgency for mandatory blending of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with jet fuel, envisioning India and Brazil as global frontrunners in this burgeoning sector.
The Rise of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
India’s Untapped Potential
Puri underscored the potential for India and Brazil to emerge as significant SAF producers, particularly if Europe mandates a 5% SAF blend with jet fuel. The minister suggested that incentivizing the collection of used cooking oil from hotels, restaurants, and street vendors could significantly boost India’s SAF production, considering the country’s daily consumption of approximately 1 million barrels of cooking oil.
Ambitious Targets and a Greener Tomorrow
The National Biofuels Coordination Committee has set targets for blending 1% of SAF with jet fuel by 2027 and 2% by 2028, initially for international flights. This initiative aligns with India’s broader efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions from aviation. The domestic commercial flights are expected to use 1% SAF by 2025, requiring around 140 million liters annually. If the target increases to a 5% SAF blend, the requirement would surge to approximately 700 million liters per year.
Indian Airlines: Breaking Free from International Hubs
Wide-body Aircraft: The Key to Independence
Puri also advised Indian airlines to purchase more wide-body aircraft to lessen reliance on international hubs such as Singapore and Dubai for long-haul flights. This strategic move could position them as formidable international competitors, further bolstering India’s presence in the global aviation market.
A New Era of Sustainable Flying
As the world grapples with the environmental impact of air travel, Puri’s advocacy for sustainable aviation fuel marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards greener skies. The minister’s call to action not only signifies a paradigm shift in the way India perceives its role in the global aviation landscape but also serves as a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and eco-conscious future.
With India poised to become a major SAF producer and its airlines eyeing a more prominent role on the international stage, the dawn of a new era in sustainable flying is well within reach. As the world watches, India stands ready to embrace this challenge, fueled by the promise of a greener tomorrow.
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