SAF is a type of biofuel, meaning it's produced from renewable sources like biomass, waste oils, and agricultural residues, rather than fossil fuels.

AM Green, a subsidiary of the Greenko Group, is collaborating with Honeywell to explore the feasibility of producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India, using ethanol, green methanol, and green hydrogen, aiming to reduce the country's oil dependence and support the aviation industry's decarbonization efforts. 

 Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a renewable jet fuel, produced from non-petroleum feedstocks, that can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional fossil jet fuel, and is a key step towards a net-zero aviation industry. 

Here's a more detailed look at SAF:

What is it?

Definition:

SAF is a type of biofuel, meaning it's produced from renewable sources like biomass, waste oils, and agricultural residues, rather than fossil fuels. 

Alternative Names:

SAF is also known as biofuel, renewable aviation fuel, renewable jet fuel, alternative fuel, or biojet fuel. 

Chemical Similarity:

SAF is chemically similar to traditional jet fuel, allowing it to be blended with conventional jet fuel (up to 50%) without requiring changes to aircraft engines or fuel infrastructure. 

"Drop-in" Fuel:

Due to its chemical similarity, SAF is considered a "drop-in" fuel, meaning it can be used in existing aircraft and fuel systems without modifications. 

Production Pathways:

SAF can be produced through various pathways, including using waste oils and fats, municipal and agricultural waste, and even synthetically from captured carbon dioxide and renewable electricity. 

Benefits of SAF:

Reduced Emissions:

SAF can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional jet fuel, potentially by up to 80% over its lifecycle. 

Sustainability:

SAF is produced from sustainable feedstocks that don't compete with food crops or land use, making it a more sustainable option for aviation. 

Net-Zero Goal:

SAF is a critical step towards achieving the aviation industry's goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

Challenges and Considerations:

Cost:

SAF is currently more expensive than traditional jet fuel, which is a barrier to wider adoption. 

Production Capacity:

The current production capacity of SAF is limited, and scaling up production to meet the growing demand is a challenge. 

Feedstock Availability:

Ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality feedstocks is crucial for the sustainable production of SAF. 

Infrastructure:

While SAF can be used in existing infrastructure, some investment may be needed to ensure a reliable supply and distribution network. 

Examples of SAF Feedstocks:

Waste oils and fats, Municipal and agricultural waste, Non-food crops, and Captured carbon dioxide and renewable electricity.