Home / Environment / SAF Production Gets Green Light Under New Rules
SAF Production Gets Green Light Under New Rules
16 Dec
Summary
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel production now falls under petroleum refining industry regulations.
- SAF can reduce aviation CO2 emissions by up to 80% using waste or captured carbon.
- Production of SAF is crucial for aviation's 2050 net-zero emission goals.
The Ministry has issued a clarification regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, defining the regulatory framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. Projects manufacturing SAF from biogenic feedstock will now be categorized under the petroleum refining industry, requiring prior Environmental Clearance (EC).
This classification applies because SAF production involves processes analogous to petroleum refining, such as isomerization and cracking. Previously, such projects were evaluated on a case-to-case basis. The updated directive aims to streamline the approval process and provide clear guidelines for these crucial emissions-reducing fuel initiatives.
SAF is vital for aviation's sustainability targets, with the potential to contribute significantly to reaching net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. This fuel, produced from sources like waste oil and captured carbon, can reduce emissions by up to 80% and does not compete with food resources.
