Source: IT
Subject: Miscellaneous
Context: The Indian government has amended the Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001, to officially bring SAF-blended fuel under its regulatory ambit.
About SAF-Blended Aviation Fuel:
What it is?
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blended with traditional Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) is a drop-in fuel solution designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry without requiring modifications to existing aircraft engines or infrastructure.
Composition and Nature:
- Chemical Similarity: SAF consists of specially processed aviation-grade hydrocarbons that are chemically similar to traditional petroleum-based ATF.
- Compatibility: It is fully compatible with existing aircraft engines and fueling systems.
- Feedstocks: SAF is a renewable fuel derived from alternative feedstocks, including crops, biogenic residues, and various waste materials.
- Standards: To be used in aviation, it must undergo rigorous testing recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and meet ASTM International standards.
Governance and Regulation:
- Regulatory Order: It is now governed under the Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001 (ATF Control Order).
- Technical Specifications:
- IS 1571: The standard for petroleum-based ATF and co-processed SAF.
- IS 17081: The specific standard for SAF that is blended with traditional ATF.
- Sustainability Criteria: For international use, SAF must meet CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) sustainability criteria to qualify as CORSIA-eligible fuel (CEF).
Key Features:
- Emission Reduction: Offers significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels.
- Performance: It does not alter the fundamental safety, nature, or performance of aviation fuel.
- Global Alignment: The use of SAF is a key component of ICAO’s CORSIA scheme, which requires international flights to offset emissions starting with a mandatory phase in 2027.
New Changes (April 2026 Amendment)
- Expanded Definition: Previously, ATF was defined strictly as petroleum-based fuel; the definition now includes SAF co-processed in refineries and SAF blended with ATF.
- Administrative Ambit: Bringing SAF under the ATF Control Order allows the government to regulate its marketing and supply chain effectively.
- Mandatory Blending Targets: The government has set indicative targets for international flights:
- 1% blending in 2027.
- 2% blending in 2028.
- 5% blending in 2030.
Implications:
- Helps Indian carriers meet international emission offsetting requirements, potentially reducing the financial burden of purchasing carbon credits.
- Keeps India aligned with international markets like the EU, UK, and Singapore, which have already introduced similar SAF mandates.
- Encourages the strengthening of domestic production capabilities within petroleum refineries.
