US-based Honeywell is considering investing in and collaborating with oil refiners in India to manufacture sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), according to country president Ashish Modi. The company believes India’s abundant biomass sources and successful ethanol production will be helpful for SAF production, reported Financial Express.
SAF, a bio-fuel with reduced sulphur content resulting in lower emissions, is poised to become a significant component of aviation fuel in India. The government is contemplating a mandate to blend 1% SAF with traditional jet fuel by 2025.
The impetus for local SAF production has intensified with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, requiring Indian airlines to offset carbon emissions from international operations by 2027.
Ashish Modi emphasised Honeywell’s strong belief in sustainable aviation fuel, citing India’s substantial biomass feedstock potential. The company’s SAF portfolio includes ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) processing technology, enabling the conversion of corn-based, cellulosic, or sugar-based ethanol into SAF.
Acknowledging the limited players in India, Modi affirmed Honeywell’s collaboration with existing entities and its commitment to supporting new entrants. He noted that Honeywell could commence SAF production as soon as these players establish production facilities. Currently, the state-owned Indian Oil Corporation has partnered with Praj Industries to produce SAF in India.
Honeywell India anticipates a growing number of SAF producers in the country, given the substantial demand from the domestic airline sector. Modi underscored Honeywell’s unique position and advanced technology in the SAF domain, expressing enthusiasm not only for aviation but for the entire portfolio within the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
