Minister Puri hails SAF-powered flight, says a huge towards self reliance, decarbonization
1 min read 25 May 2023, 06:00 PM ISTSAF, created from renewable sources like agricultural waste, can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.
PremiumNew Delhi: Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday acknowledged the landmark flight powered by India’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a decisive move towards the country’s self-reliance and aviation decarbonization. This fuel was domestically produced with Indian technology and indigenous feedstock, marking a significant stride towards the country’s energy independence.
Air Asia’s commercial passenger flight (I5 767), flying from Pune to Delhi, operated on SAF-blended aviation turbine fuel (ATF) produced by Praj Industries Ltd. The locally sourced feedstock was supplied by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
Puri hailed this achievement during a press conference, emphasizing India’s ambition to become energy self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) by 2047. He underscored the petroleum sector’s substantial role in realizing this goal in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
This accomplishment represents a significant milestone in India’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions in aviation. Air Asia’s commercial passenger flight (I5 767), flying from Pune to Delhi, operated on SAF-blended aviation turbine fuel (ATF) produced by Praj Industries Ltd. The locally sourced feedstock was supplied by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
SAF, created from renewable sources like agricultural waste, can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.
Puri lauded the efforts of Indian Oil Corporation, Air Asia, and Praj Industries in this initiative. He also laid out ambitious targets for SAF blending in the future, underscoring the potential positive economic impact and job creation.
Expressing his satisfaction at the achievement, Puri remarked, “.... This would be the first domestic commercial passenger flight with SAF blending up to 1% as demonstration mode."
“By 2025, if we target to blend 1% SAF in jet fuel, India would require around 14 crore liters of SAF per annum. More ambitiously, if we target for 5% SAF blend, India would require around 70 crore liters of SAF per annum," he added.
This significant step contributes to India’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070. Moreover, the flight signifies a progressive step towards India’s energy independence and offers a model for increased adoption of sustainable practices in aviation. As the nation continues to emphasize renewable energy and innovation, the aviation sector is set to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing India’s future.
