- The Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) has generated sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from cooking oil and oil-bearing plants using indigenous technology.
- SAF samples were sent to the Federal Aviation Administration Clearinghouse in the United States for testing in order to achieve the ASTM D4054 qualification from ASTM International.
Concerning ASTM certification
- ASTM International is a global standards organisation that creates and publishes technical standards for a variety of materials, products, systems, and services.
- It is situated in the United States and was previously known as the American Society for Testing and Materials.
- Over 30,000 people from more than 140 countries are members of the organisation, which includes scientists, engineers, and industry professionals.
- Construction, petroleum, medical devices, and consumer products are among the industries covered by the standards.
ASTM Certification for SAF
- ASTM D4054 and ASTM D7566 are two standards relating to aviation fuel.
- ASTM D4054 specifies the criteria for qualifying aircraft turbine fuels.
- ASTM D7566 specifies the specifications for certifying commercial aviation fuels.
Use of SAF
- The Indian Air Force gained preliminary certification in November 2021 to employ SAF on test flights, subject to approval by the aircraft manufacturer involved on a case-by-case basis.
- However, it has yet to be internationally certified for use in India’s commercial airlines.
SAF production in India
- Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd is constructing the first SAF plant, which is scheduled to open in early 2025.
- Other refineries, however, are projected to build two more SAF facilities by 2025-26.
- The Mangalore Refinery can generate 20 tonnes of SAF every day, which equates to around 7,000 tonnes per year.
- However, in order to achieve even a 1% blending of SAF in India, around 60,000 tonnes per year are necessary.
Way forward
- Demand for bio-jet fuel must be increased through a national policy, similar to the National Biofuel Policy, in order for it to be commercially scaled and production to accelerate.
- A nodal organisation should be established to implement this programme, bringing together the energy, transportation, and agriculture sectors under one roof.
- Mapping the sources of different feedstocks could help with this policy.
Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/india-awaits-astm-approval-for-aviation-biofuels/article65457603.ece