About SAF

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What is SAF?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an advanced biofuel that reduces carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. Produced from renewable feedstocks, including agricultural residues, municipal waste, and non-food crops, SAF provides a practical and scalable solution for aviation sector decarbonisation.

SAF Ecosystem

  • Feedstock Providers – Agricultural and waste-based sources for SAF production

  • Refineries & Technology Providers – Conversion of feedstocks into SAF

  • Airlines & Logistics – Integration of SAF into commercial and cargo flights

  • Regulators & Policymakers – Setting industry standards and compliance frameworks

Global SAF Market

The global SAF market is expanding rapidly, with governments and industry stakeholders investing in research, production, and supply chain development.

  • EU & USA – Both regions enforce strong SAF blending mandates to decarbonize aviation. The EU’s ReFuelEU initiative and U.S. tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act support SAF deployment.

  • Japan & China – These nations focus on waste-based and hydrogen-based SAF production. Japan promotes advanced biofuels, while China is expanding its renewable energy-driven SAF industry.

  • India – India is leveraging biomass and policy support to emerge as a key SAF producer. With abundant raw materials, the country has the potential to become a global leader in SAF production.

SAF: The Key to Net-Zero Aviation

  • SAF could contribute ~65% of the emission reductions needed for aviation to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050.
  • Massive production scale-up required to meet future demand, with the largest acceleration expected in the 2030s.
  • Global policy support will drive SAF competitiveness, making it cost-effective compared to fossil kerosene.
  • Credible carbon offsets are becoming scarcer, reinforcing the need for direct emissions reductions through SAF adoption.

CORSIA: A Global Market-Based Mechanism

  • he Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is the first global market-based scheme for emissions reduction in a sector.
  • Works alongside in-sector efforts such as technological innovations, operational efficiency, and SAF deployment.
  • Supports ICAOʼs goal of carbon-neutral growth, ensuring sustainable expansion of global aviation.

Projected SAF Demand by 2050

  • Aviation emissions could reach 1.8 billion tonnes by 2050 if reliant on traditional jet fuel.
  • 65% of total emissions reductions must come from SAF adoption to reach net zero.
  • Over 360 million tonnes (450 billion liters) of SAF will be required annually by 2050.
  • All available sustainable feedstocks must be leveraged to meet demand and ensure a robust SAF supply chain.

SAF in India

India is the third-largest aviation market and has the potential to become a leader in SAF production. With strong agricultural and waste resources, combined with policy support, India can achieve large-scale SAF adoption.

  • SAF Blending Targets – India aims for 1% SAF blending by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030 to support aviation decarbonization.

  • National Bio-Energy Mission – The mission provides policy support for biofuels, including SAF, encouraging domestic production and technological advancements.

  • Airline Commitments – Indian carriers are exploring SAF adoption to meet carbon reduction targets and align with global sustainability goals.

SAF for Environmental Attributes

  • Reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% – SAF significantly cuts aviation-related emissions compared to conventional jet fuel, aiding in climate change mitigation.

  • Supports clean air initiatives by lowering aviation-related pollution – SAF contains fewer particulates and sulfur, reducing air pollution and improving urban air quality.

  • Helps prevent stubble burning by utilising agricultural residues – By converting crop waste into SAF, it provides an alternative to burning, reducing air pollution and soil degradation.

  • Contributes to a circular economy by converting waste into fuel – SAF promotes sustainability by repurposing waste materials and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

SAF for Businesses

Adopting SAF benefits businesses across multiple sectors.

  • Regulatory Compliance – Align with international emission reduction targets

  • Carbon Credits & Offsetting – Generate high-quality Scope 3 emission reductions

  • Brand Leadership – Strengthen sustainability commitments and ESG credentials

  • Operational Efficiency – Reduce long-term fuel costs through SAF integration

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