Sustainable Aviation Fuel Manufacturing Policy-2025

• 03 Jun 2025

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled plans for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Manufacturing Policy-2025, aimed at converting agricultural waste into jet fuel. 

• A high-level roundtable conference was organized by Invest UP in Lucknow to discuss the policy framework. 

Key Points 

• About the SAF: It is produced from renewable sources such as agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, and forestry residues. 
  • It has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. 
  • Indigenous feedstock like sugarcane molasses and Make in India technology are being used to produce SAF. 
• About the Policy: The policy targets the production of sustainable aviation fuel from agricultural residues like sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and wheat straw. 
  • It aims to establish industrial units within Uttar Pradesh for bio-jet fuel manufacturing. 
  • This initiative will directly benefit around 2.5 crore farmers by creating new markets for their crop waste. 
• Significance of the Policy: 
  • First of Its Kind in India: Marks a pioneering step towards integrating agricultural waste-based biofuels into India’s aviation fuel mix. 
  • Climate Change Mitigation: Supports India’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon intensity and promote renewable energy. 
  • Agricultural Waste Management: It can reduce stubble burning, a major cause of air pollution and smog in northern India, improving public health and ecological balance. 
  • Rural Economy Upliftment: Creates new markets and value chains for agricultural residues, generating additional income sources for farmers. 
  • Industrial Growth: Promotes establishment of SAF manufacturing units, leveraging UP’s strategic logistics and agro-industrial base. 
• Related Challenges: 
  • Technological Viability: Developing reliable and scalable processes to convert varied agricultural wastes into aviation fuel efficiently remains a major hurdle. 
  • Price Competitiveness: Producing SAF at a cost close to conventional jet fuel is necessary to encourage adoption without heavy subsidies. 
  • Infrastructure Development: Effective collection, transport, and storage of dispersed crop residues need robust logistics to maintain a steady supply. 
  • Policy Integration: Aligning state and central policies on biofuels and aviation is essential to streamline approvals and incentives. 
• Way Forward: 
  • Incorporate Stakeholder Feedback: Engaging farmers, industry, and experts will help tailor the policy to real-world challenges. 
  • Facilitate Research & Development: Investment in R&D can improve technology efficiency and reduce production costs. 
  • Create Incentives: Financial benefits for SAF producers and users will promote market growth. 
  • Strengthen Farmer Outreach: Educating farmers and ensuring fair prices will secure reliable feedstock supply. 
  • Promote Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between government and private sector can drive large-scale, sustainable SAF production.