Airbus and CSIR-IIP join forces for green aviation
The agreement focuses on the joint development, testing, and qualification of indigenous Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India
Hyderabad: In a significant stride towards decarbonizing the Indian aerospace industry, Airbus and the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) have formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement focuses on the joint development, testing, and qualification of indigenous Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India.
The collaboration aims to support the Indian aerospace sector's commitment to decarbonization by employing a new Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) technology pathway and utilizing locally sourced feedstocks. CSIR-IIP and Airbus will collaboratively navigate technical assessments, approvals, market access, and sustainability accreditation efforts for SAF production. The MoU received active support and guidance from the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Sood.
Prof. Ajay Sood emphasized, "Decarbonization is a key goal of the aviation industry, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a viable, here-and-now solution that requires scaling up. The collaboration between CSIR-IIP and Airbus will address that potential and help shape India as a SAF factory of the world."
Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, expressed Airbus's commitment to leveraging India's potential as a global SAF production hub, stating, "SAF is one of the main pillars of Airbus’ decarbonization roadmap. The MoU with CSIR-IIP is a major step in our ambition to decarbonize the aviation sector."
Dr. Harender Singh Bisht, Director of CSIR-IIP, highlighted the significance of SAF in achieving the aviation sector's Net-Zero carbon emission target by 2050. He noted that the collaboration between CSIR-IIP and Airbus aims to overcome challenges related to production ramp-up and cost differentials between SAF and conventional jet fuel.
Currently, all Airbus aircraft are certified to fly on a 50% SAF blend, with a vision to achieve 100% SAF capability by 2030. Airbus and CSIR-IIP will contribute to this goal, focusing on eliminating the reliance on fossil fuels. CSIR-IIP will conduct studies on fuel properties under the new pathway and assess their impact on aircraft systems and the environment. Airbus will guide the new fuel evaluation process, sharing its expertise in fuel testing and aircraft systems.
