India can be Sustainable Aviation Fuel’s net exporter: Boeing exec
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the aviation industry is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. One of the key strategies being explored is the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). And according to Boeing India and South Asia President Salil Gupte, India has the opportunity to become a major player in the global SAF market, potentially even becoming a net exporter.
In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Gupte highlighted the significant potential that India has to produce SAF, which is a low-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuels. According to Gupte, India has the capacity to produce around 8-10 million tonnes of SAF per year, which would be a significant contribution to the global effort to decarbonize aviation.
The aviation industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around 2.5% of total emissions. However, the sector is also a key driver of economic growth and development, with air travel playing a vital role in connecting people and businesses around the world. As such, the industry is under pressure to reduce its environmental impact while still meeting the growing demand for air travel.
SAF is seen as a key solution to this challenge, as it can be produced from a variety of sustainable sources, including waste biomass, agricultural residues, and even municipal solid waste. When used as a replacement for traditional fossil fuels, SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%, making it a vital tool in the fight against climate change.
India’s potential to become a net exporter of SAF is significant, particularly given the country’s large agricultural sector and abundant supplies of biomass waste. According to Gupte, India could potentially provide over 5% of the world’s SAF requirements, making it a major player in the global market.
The potential benefits of India becoming a net exporter of SAF are significant. Not only would it provide a new revenue stream for the country, but it would also help to reduce the global carbon footprint of the aviation industry. Moreover, the development of SAF production facilities in India could also create new job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in rural areas.
However, there are also challenges that need to be overcome before India can become a major player in the global SAF market. For example, there is a need for significant investment in new production facilities and infrastructure, as well as the development of a robust supply chain to ensure a reliable and sustainable source of feedstock.
Additionally, there are also regulatory hurdles that need to be overcome, including the need for new standards and regulations to ensure the safe and efficient production and use of SAF. However, Gupte is confident that these challenges can be overcome, and that India has the potential to become a leading player in the global SAF market.
“In terms of the regulatory framework, I think we are moving in the right direction,” Gupte said. “The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has set a target of reducing net carbon emissions to zero by 2050, and we are working closely with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that we can achieve this goal.”
The development of SAF production facilities in India is also being driven by a growing demand from airlines and airports. For example, Air India has announced plans to introduce SAF into its fuel supply, while several airports in India have also committed to reducing their carbon footprint through the use of SAF.
Overall, the potential for India to become a net exporter of Sustainable Aviation Fuel is significant, and could play a major role in the global effort to decarbonize aviation. With the right investment and regulatory framework in place, India could potentially become one of the world’s largest producers of SAF, providing a new revenue stream for the country while also helping to reduce the global carbon footprint of the aviation industry.
