India Unveils SAF Roadmap, Targets 5% Blending by 2030

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu today unveiled the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Report for India, calling SAF a “practical and immediate solution to decarbonize the aviation sector.”

The study, released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and supported by the European Union, maps India’s pathway to establish a domestic SAF ecosystem. It assesses feedstock availability, viable production technologies, policy frameworks, and infrastructure readiness.

The Minister announced blending targets of 1% by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030 in line with global commitments under CORSIA. He highlighted that with 750 million tonnes of biomass and 230 million tonnes of surplus agricultural residue, India has the potential not only to meet its own SAF demand but also to emerge as a global exporter.

“SAF can cut lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fuel. Its production will also reduce crude imports, cut emissions by 20–25 million tonnes annually, and boost farmers’ incomes through a strong value chain for agri-residue and biomass,” Shri Naidu said.

Key milestones already achieved include the designation of COTECNA Inspection India Pvt. Ltd. as India’s first SAF certification body and the certification of Indian Oil’s Panipat Refinery as the country’s first SAF producer.

Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha stressed that India operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets globally, with 88 airports already running on 100% green energy. DGCA Chief Shri Faiz Ahmed noted that with passenger traffic expected to double to 500 million by 2030, sustainability must remain central to aviation growth.

ICAO’s Ms. Jane Hupe welcomed India’s commitment, while the Ministry emphasized that the SAF roadmap forms part of a long-term green aviation policy to position India as a leader in sustainable fuel production and utilization.