Sat Sep 20 16:27:12 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, along with a summary:

**Summary:**

A feasibility study conducted by the Centre reveals India’s immense potential to become a major player in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry. The study, in partnership with ICAO and supported by the EU, indicates India could produce 14-33 million tonnes of SAF annually from various feedstocks like vegetable oils, sugarcane bagasse, and municipal solid waste. The report calls for urgent policy measures, including establishing a SAF Council, to address challenges like slow commercialization and high production costs. The study highlights the alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) process as a key opportunity for India, but also acknowledges potential competition with the road transport sector for ethanol. The report will be presented at the upcoming ICAO General Assembly.

**News Article:**

**India Poised to Become a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Powerhouse, Study Reveals**

**New Delhi, September 20, 2025** – A new feasibility study, conducted by the Centre in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and with support from the European Union, reveals that India has the potential to become a leading producer and exporter of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The report, released today, estimates that India could produce between 14 and 33 million tonnes of SAF per year, utilizing a diverse range of feedstocks including vegetable oils, sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, and municipal solid waste.

The findings will be presented by Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu at the ICAO General Assembly 2025, set to take place from September 23rd to October 3rd. The ICAO has set a goal of a 5% reduction in CO2 emissions from international aviation through SAF and other cleaner energies by 2030, while India has set targets of a 1% SAF blend by 2027, 2% by 2028, and 5% by 2030.

The study highlights the need for urgent policy action to foster the development of a domestic SAF industry. Key recommendations include establishing a SAF Council with high-level government and industry representation to create a national vision and strategy. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing challenges such as slow technology commercialization and high production costs.

“The report underscores India’s remarkable capacity to not only meet its own SAF demands but also to become a significant exporter in the global market,” stated a spokesperson for the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The study identifies the alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) process as a particularly promising pathway for SAF production in India due to the availability of ethanol feedstocks. However, it cautions about potential competition for ethanol with the road transport sector, where ethanol-blended petrol is increasingly common. The study also suggests exploring the use of waste gases from industrial sources for SAF production.

The comprehensive report provides a roadmap for India to leverage its resources and technological capabilities to contribute significantly to the global effort to decarbonize the aviation industry. The development of a sustainable SAF industry in India would provide opportunities for farmers, scientists, and engineers alike.

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