Why in News?
- India’s sustainable jet fuel may get internationally certified in 2023
For prelims: SAF, Conventional Aviation Fuel, Emerging Aviation Fuel
For mains: Benefits of SAF.
About Sustainable Aviation Fuel
- A bio-jet fuel, also known as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), produced using homegrown technology from cooking oil and seeds of oil-bearing plants will likely be certified internationally this year. An international certification would allow the SAF to be used in commercial flights in India.
- The Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), a laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has tied up with Boeing, Indigo, Spicejet and the three Tata Airlines — Air India, Vistara and Air Asia India — to support the production of SAF.
Conventional aviation fuels
- Jet fuel is a clear to straw-colored fuel, based on either an unleaded kerosene (Jet A-1), or a naphtha-kerosene blend (Jet B).
- Avgas (aviation gasoline) is used by small aircraft, light helicopters and vintage piston- engined aircraft. Its formulation is distinct from the conventional gasoline (petrol) used in motor vehicles which is commonly called mogas or autogas
- AVGAS 100 LL
In News— Centre launched the indigenously-developed aviation fuel AVGAS 100 LL- Aviation Gasoline, AVGAS 100 LL, is a higher-octane Aviation fuel.
- Developed by Indian Oil Corporation.
- It is a special aviation fuel designed for use in turbo charged reciprocating piston engine aircrafts and Unmanned Ariel Vehicles
Emerging Aviation Fuel
- Biofuels: Alternatives to conventional fossil-based aviation fuels, new fuels made via the biomass to liquid method (like sustainable aviation fuel) and certain straight vegetable oils can also be used.
- Compressed natural gas and liquified natural gas: Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LNG) are fuel feedstocks that aircraft may use in the future.
- Liquid hydrogen: Some development of technology for hydrogen-powered aircraft started after the millennium and gained track since about 2020, but as of 2022 was still far away fromoutright aircraft product development.
Benefits of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: SAF can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional jet fuel. The exact reduction depends on the feedstock and production method, but lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions can be up to 80% lower with SAF.
- Sustainable Feedstocks: SAF is made from sustainable sources, such as used cooking oil, agricultural residues, non-food crops, or even municipal waste. This means it doesn’t compete with food production or contribute to deforestation like some biofuels.
- Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure: SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft and infrastructure, making it a practical option for reducing emissions from aviation without needing to redesign engines or refueling systems.
- Potential for Circular Economy: Some types of SAF can be made from waste products, contributing to a circular economy where waste is reused instead of being discarded.
- Energy Security: By diversifying the sources of fuel, countries can increase their energy security and reduce their dependence on petroleum.
Aviation Turbine Fuel
- It is specifically designed for high-altitude and high-speed travel.
- Jet fuel has a higher flash point (the temperature at which it can ignite) than petrol or diesel, which makes it safer to handle in the high-temperature conditions found in jet engines.
- It also has additives to prevent icing or explosion due to changes in pressure.