Aviation stands as one of the fastest-growing transport sectors globally, with the USA, China, and India leading the charge in air passenger markets. Despite a temporary setback due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which drastically reduced passenger flights in 2020, the industry is poised for continued growth, expecting a steady annual increase in traffic volume of about 3%. However, this growth comes with environmental challenges, as conventional aviation fuel derived from crude oil’s kerosene fraction contributes significantly to global carbon emissions.
Conventional aviation fuel alone accounts for approximately 2% of total global carbon emissions. To address this environmental impact, the industry is increasingly turning to advanced liquid biofuels as a low-CO2 alternative to kerosene. Unlike gaseous biofuels or electrification, which pose challenges for long-distance flights due to energy density requirements, advanced biofuels offer a viable solution without competing with food, land, or water resources.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has emerged as a game-changer in the quest for greener aviation. SAF, with properties akin to conventional jet fuel but a significantly smaller carbon footprint, has seen increasing adoption globally. More than 250,000 commercial flights have already utilized SAF blends, marking a critical step towards reducing aviation’s environmental impact. Furthermore, ongoing research and development efforts worldwide are focusing on diverse sustainable feedstocks and innovative conversion technologies to further enhance SAF production efficiency and sustainability.
Looking ahead, India has set targets, aiming to mandate the use of 1% SAF for domestic flights by 2025. This initiative underscores a global commitment to integrating biofuels into mainstream aviation operations, ensuring a more sustainable future for air travel while mitigating climate change impacts. As the industry continues to innovate and collaborate across sectors, biofuels are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation, driving towards cleaner skies and a more sustainable planet for generations to come.