A recent report by Deloitte highlights India’s significant potential in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, projecting that the country could generate 8-10 million tonnes of SAF annually by 2040. As global demand for greener aviation solutions grows, India is positioning itself to become a key player in SAF production, contributing to efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector. SAF, produced from renewable resources like agricultural waste, has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.
The aviation industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, and SAF offers a sustainable alternative that aligns with international carbon reduction goals. India’s abundant biomass resources and growing renewable energy infrastructure provide a strong foundation for scaling up SAF production. Government support through policies promoting green energy and biofuel adoption will be critical in realizing this potential.
The Deloitte report emphasizes that India's push towards SAF can also contribute to energy security, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Furthermore, SAF can spur economic growth by creating new industries around biofuel production, processing, and distribution, while generating jobs in rural and agricultural sectors.
As airlines worldwide adopt SAF to meet emission reduction targets, India’s capacity to produce sustainable fuels positions it to meet domestic demand while potentially becoming a supplier to global markets. By 2040, India could play a leading role in the global transition towards cleaner aviation, aligning its goals with both environmental sustainability and economic development.
With the aviation industry poised for growth, India's focus on sustainable aviation fuels marks an important step toward a greener future for air travel.
