CORSIA And India’s Aviation Industry: A Focus On Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Posted On - 10 September, 2024 • By - Pooja Chatterjee

Introduction

India’s aviation industry is growing rapidly, having become the world’s third-largest aviation market.[1] However, this expansion comes with the challenge of reducing carbon emissions to align with global climate goals. The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) offers a framework for addressing this challenge.[2] CORSIA provides a harmonized approach to offset aviation emissions, complementing other efforts to reduce emissions through technological and operational improvements. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) also plays a crucial role in achieving these goals, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional jet fuel.

This article will discuss India’s position on CORSIA and SAF while exploring further challenges and opportunities in the following manner:

CORSIA and India
Sustainable Aviation Fuels: A Key Mitigation Strategy
India’s SAF Landscape
Government Initiatives and Industry Partnerships
Challenges, Opportunities, and Learnings for India

CORSIA and India

Key Details

CORSIA Implementation: The scheme is implemented in three phases: Pilot Phase (2021-2023), First Phase (2024-2026), and Second Phase (2027-2035). The Pilot and First phases are voluntary, while the Second Phase is mandatory for all ICAO member states.[3]
Offsetting Requirements: The offsetting requirements under CORSIA are determined by the baseline level set based on emissions in 2019 and 2020. These requirements will come into force on January 1, 2027, and will impose a financial burden on a large number of global airlines, including Indian carriers.[4]

India’s Stance

India, a major player in the global aviation market, has taken a strategic stance regarding CORSIA. While the country supports the ultimate goal of reducing aviation emissions, it has expressed concerns about the scheme’s design, particularly regarding its potential impact on developing economies.

India has chosen not to participate in the voluntary phases of CORSIA, opting instead to wait for the mandatory phase to begin in 2027.[5] This decision reflects the country’s desire to assess the effectiveness and fairness of the scheme before committing to its implementation. By delaying participation, India aims to gain a better understanding of CORSIA’s mechanisms and its potential implications for Indian airlines.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels: A Key Mitigation Strategy

SAF is a type of aviation fuel that is produced from renewable or waste-derived sources. It is designed to be a more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil jet fuel, as it can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fuels.[6] SAF is compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure, making it a viable option for the aviation industry to reduce its environmental impact.

It has several benefits[7] such as:

Reduced CO2 emissions: SAF has the greatest potential to reduce CO2 emissions from international aviation.
Lower carbon intensity: SAFs’ lower carbon intensity makes them an important solution for reducing aviation GHGs.
Economic opportunities: Growing, sourcing, and producing SAF can create new economic opportunities in farming communities.
Extra revenue for farmers: Growing biomass crops for SAF production can increase farmers’ income and improve soil quality.
Environmental services: Biomass crops can control erosion, improve water quality, and increase biodiversity.
Reduced pollution: Producing SAF from wet wastes can reduce pollution pressure on watersheds and prevent methane emissions.
Improved aircraft performance: SAFs can burn cleaner in aircraft engines, reducing local emissions and contrail formation.

India’s SAF Landscape

India has taken a major step towards its goal of energy self-sufficiency and reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector. The successful flight of India’s first commercial passenger flight powered by indigenously produced Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend marked a historic milestone in the country’s efforts towards a greener future.[8]

Some key points highlighting India’s favourable SAF landscape[9] are:

Indigenous Production: The SAF blend used in the flight was produced by Praj Industries Ltd. using sugarcane molasses as the feedstock, supplied by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. This demonstrates India’s capability to produce SAF domestically, reducing reliance on imports.
Self-Reliance: The production of SAF using indigenous feedstock and technology aligns with the government’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India.
Decarbonization: SAF has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. This makes it a crucial tool for decarbonizing the aviation sector, which is a significant contributor to climate change.
Economic Benefits: The production of SAF can boost the rural economy by providing additional income to farmers who supply sugarcane molasses as feedstock. It can also create green jobs and contribute to India’s economic development.
Ambitious Targets: The government has set ambitious targets for SAF blending in jet fuel. By 2025, India aims to blend 1% SAF in jet fuel, requiring around 14 crore liters of SAF annually. In the more ambitious scenario of 5% blending, India would need around 70 crore liters of SAF annually.

Government Initiatives and Industry Partnerships

Government Initiatives

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has taken several significant steps to promote sustainable development and reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector[10]:

Knowledge Sharing: MoCA organized knowledge-sharing sessions to standardize carbon accounting and reporting frameworks for Indian airports and raise awareness about climate change mitigation.
Carbon Neutrality Targets: All operational and upcoming airports have been advised to work towards achieving carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions, including the use of 100% green energy.
Accreditation: Airports have been encouraged to obtain accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI) or ISO 14064 through empaneled verifiers.
Carbon Mitigation Measures: Airports have been advised to adopt carbon mitigation measures and develop carbon management plans with milestones.
Greenfield Airport Development: MoCA has advised Chief Secretaries and Administrators to incorporate design and standards for carbon emission reduction and net-zero targets in Greenfield airport development proposals, DPRs, and airport master plans.
Airport Tariff Determination: The Airport Economic Regulatory Authority has been advised to consider the cost associated with green energy use for airport tariff determination.

Industry Partnerships[11]

SAF: Airlines can either use SAF or offset their emissions by purchasing carbon credits. MoCA and DGCA have held meetings with Indian carriers to sensitize them about the impact of CORSIA and the need to prepare for the mandatory phase.
Bio-ATF Programme Committee: The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas constituted a Bio-ATF Programme Committee to promote the use of clean fuels in the aviation sector.
Demonstration Flights: SpiceJet conducted a demonstration flight using bio-fuel blended with ATF.
SAF Capability: Airbus and Boeing are working towards enabling 100% SAF capability by 2030.
Clean Skies for Tomorrow (CST): The CST Coalition, which includes airlines, airports, SAF producers, and OEMs, is working to accelerate the use of sustainable aviation fuels.

Key Achievements[12]

Carbon Accreditation: Delhi and Mumbai airports have achieved the highest, i.e., Level 4+ Carbon Accreditation of ACI. Hyderabad and Bengaluru have also achieved carbon neutrality.
Green Energy: AAI has installed solar power plants at various airports and is procuring solar energy through open access and green power tariffs.
Net-Zero Targets: Many airports have set targets to achieve 100% green energy use and net-zero emissions by 2030.
Other Initiatives: Airports have adopted advanced technologies, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable building practices.

Challenges, Opportunities, and Learnings for India

Challenges

Cost: SAF is currently more expensive than conventional jet fuel.
Availability: Scaling up SAF production to meet the growing demand will be challenging.
Infrastructure: India may need to invest in new infrastructure for SAF production, storage, and distribution.
Feedstock Availability: Ensuring a consistent supply of sustainable feedstock for SAF production can be challenging.
Regulatory Framework: Developing a clear and supportive regulatory framework for SAF production and use is essential.

Opportunities

Economic Growth: SAF production can create new economic opportunities and jobs.
Technological Advancements: Ongoing research and development can lead to more efficient and cost-effective SAF production methods.
International Collaboration: India can collaborate with other countries to share knowledge, expertise, and resources related to SAF.
Government Support: Government policies and incentives can play a crucial role in promoting SAF adoption and reducing its cost.
Environmental Benefits: SAF can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to India’s climate change mitigation goals.

How can India become a Leader in SAF?

India is well-positioned to become a global leader in SAF production due to its access to feedstock and low-cost solar energy. The country’s growing aviation sector presents a significant opportunity for SAF adoption, as it can help reduce emissions and contribute to India’s climate change goals. Decarbonizing the aviation sector is also essential for India to achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).[13]

To become a leader in SAF[14], India should take the following steps:

Develop a Robust Roadmap: Create a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the country’s goals, strategies, and timelines for SAF adoption. Example: The National Policy on Biofuels[15] can provide a framework for SAF development.
Invest in Infrastructure: Develop infrastructure for SAF production, storage, and distribution. Example: Establish SAF production facilities and storage tanks at airports and refineries.
Promote Sustainable Feedstock: Encourage the production and collection of sustainable feedstocks, such as agricultural residues, waste, and biomass.
Foster Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with airlines, fuel suppliers, airports, and other stakeholders to accelerate SAF adoption. Example: Create a national SAF consortium or platform to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Provide Government Support: Implement policies and incentives to support SAF production and use, including tax breaks, subsidies, mandates of blending, etc.
Conduct Research and Development: Invest in research and development to improve SAF production efficiency and reduce costs.

Conclusion and The Way Forward

India’s aviation sector stands at a crossroads, balancing rapid growth with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. CORSIA and SAF offer promising avenues for addressing this challenge. By implementing CORSIA and accelerating SAF adoption in a planned manner, India can position itself as a global leader in sustainable aviation, contributing to both environmental and economic benefits. While challenges remain, the potential rewards of a greener aviation sector make it a worthwhile endeavor for India.