Introduction

Airbus, a prominent aircraft manufacturer, has joined forces with the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) to pioneer innovative technologies and accelerate the development and qualification of indigenous sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) within India.

Advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Decarbonization Ambitions: The collaboration targets the reduction of carbon emissions in the Indian aerospace sector, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.
HEFA Technology Pathway: The partnership will employ cutting-edge HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology, a promising pathway for SAF production, emphasizing sustainability and environmental impact.
Key Objectives: Airbus and CSIR-IIP will work collaboratively to conduct technical assessments, secure approvals, access markets, and attain sustainability accreditations, all essential elements for SAF production.

Transformative Impact: SAF, including a variant developed by CSIR-IIP, is viewed as the most impactful measure for decarbonizing the aviation industry.
Challenges to Address: Overcoming challenges such as increased SAF production and closing the cost gap between SAF and traditional jet fuel is crucial to expanding SAF adoption.

Partial Adoption: Currently, all Airbus aircraft are certified to operate using a 50% SAF blend.
Future Goal: Airbus aims to achieve 100% SAF compatibility for its aircraft by 2030, emphasizing the significance of this collaboration with CSIR-IIP.

Research Focus: CSIR-IIP will conduct in-depth studies on the fuel’s properties within the new pathway and assess its implications on aircraft systems and the environment.
Expert Guidance: Airbus will provide valuable insights into the fuel evaluation process, share knowledge on fuel testing, and contribute aircraft systems expertise.

Abundant Feedstock: India possesses the potential to emerge as a prominent SAF production hub, capitalizing on the availability of feedstocks, local talent, and technological proficiency.
Scaling Up Solutions: The collaboration underscores India’s capacity to scale up sustainable aviation fuel solutions and become a global leader in this vital sector.

The collaboration between Airbus and CSIR-IIP signifies a significant stride towards sustainable aviation fuel development in India.
By harnessing local resources, technological expertise, and a commitment to decarbonization, this partnership aims to elevate India’s aerospace industry while contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
India’s potential as a SAF production hub holds immense promise for a greener and more sustainable future in aviation.