Green Aviation in India: Impact vs Implementation Challenges

With the increased environmental concern surrounding the aviation industry, green aviation in India has become a national concern. With growing number of passengers and the expansion of the routes, sustainable aviation will play an essential role in reducing emissions and aligning with national net-zero goals. Government, airlines and airports are looking at different ways of decarbonizing aviation in India, such as cleaner fuels, green infrastructure and technologies.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu emphasizes: “SAF is a practical and immediate solution to decarbonize the aviation sector, with the potential to cut lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional fuel.”

The Push Towards Sustainable Aviation

The initiative for green aviation in India resonates with the global strategy of reducing carbon emission in aviation. The Indian aviation industry produces almost 2 percent of greenhouse gas, which is likely to increase drastically by 2030. In response, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and industry stakeholders have initiated aviation decarbonization strategies in order to achieve cleaner energy, efficient operations and low-emission airports.

One of the priorities is SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), a clean fuel that can replace fossil-based jet fuel. The effect of the SAF in India may become groundbreaking; the lifecycle emissions will decrease up to 80 percent, as opposed to traditional fuels. Nevertheless, the price barriers to the adoption of SAF in India are still high, and the availability of production and feedstock is insufficient. As Aditya Ghosh, Co-Founder of Akasa Air, notes: “India can play a leading role with respect to sustainable aviation fuel by plugging into the global supply chain opportunities.”

Alternative Fuels and Technological Shifts

Biojet fuel in Indian aviation is becoming popular in the SAF and alternative fuel cluster. Oil companies and research institutes are investigating feedstock such as used cooking oil and agricultural residue to produce low-carbon fuels. However, the difficulties still persist in increasing production and CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) compliance in India for international standardization.

In addition to fuel, the electric / hybrid aircraft innovation in India is redefining the future of flight. The companies are experimenting with prototypes and evaluating the possibilities of operating electric aircrafts in India; however, technological readiness and battery limitations remain obstacles. Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, emphasizes: “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 government’s focus on aviation policy for sustainability includes supporting such innovations through research grants and pilot programs.

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Case Stude: A Model of Sustainable Aviation—Cochin International Airport

Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is an innovative example of green aviation in India. It is world’s first fully solar-powered airport. It is spread over 45 acres and has 46,150 solar panels producing 50 MWp of power. It not only drives the activities of the airport but also sends excess energy back to the local grid which is a successful example of a green airport infrastructure in India.

The airport is going beyond solar energy in its quest to be sustainable. CIAL has also adopted rainwater harvesting systems, effective waste management methods, and green building certifications, which meets the aviation decarbonization plans in India. These initiatives have largely minimized its carbon footprint and this has set a standard to other airports in the country.

This case is a good example, which explains that India’s sustainable aviation policy can be transformed into practical actions, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of integrating sustainable practices into airport operations.

Building Green Airports and Infrastructure

The green airport infrastructure initiative in India is a demonstration of its wider environmental concern. The Delhi, Bengaluru and Cochin airports have already become carbon neutral, setting an example for other airports to follow. Some of these initiatives are solar power plants, electric ground transport, and effective waste management infrastructure.

These projects are beneficial to the green transition of the aviation industry in India, but also reveals infrastructure gaps. A large number of regional airports do not have the resources or technology to embrace these standards. The extension of such measures to the nationwide level will necessitate planning and investment. As Julien Manhes, Head of SAF at Airbus, states: “India can become a global leader in producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), thanks to its large agricultural production.”

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Policy and Implementation Challenges

What are the obstacles in implementing green aviation in India? The answer lies in striking a balance between ambition and reality. The transition to sustainable aviation in India is impeded by a few factors, that are infrastructure, technological preparedness and regulatory uncertainties.

Although India has pledged to comply with CORSIA, and airlines are testing SAF blending, there is still no mandatory policy framework to drive adoption. Policy incentives to encourage green aviation in India including tax rebates or SAF blending requirement may help speed up the process. Vikram Rai, CEO of GE Aerospace South Asia, adds: “Indian airlines have begun test flights with sustainable aviation fuel. At GE Aerospace, we have developed new engines that are 10‑15 per cent more fuel‑efficient, and we are working on designs that will be 25 per cent more efficient.”

Stakeholders (airlines, govt, airports) in green aviation play an important role too. Airlines will have to invest in upgrading their fleets and testing fuel, airports will need to implement renewable energy systems, and the government agencies will have to make sure that there are consistent regulation and funding. The green transition of the aviation industry in India can potentially slack without collaboration.

Economic and Market Outlook

There are costs associated with decarbonization. The economic and market effects of switching to sustainable technologies are high, particularly in view of the price of SAF compared to jet fuel. In the case of airlines which have thin margins, such a transition needs funding and clear incentives. Nevertheless, investing in green aviation has long term advantages that reduce reliance on fuel, global competitiveness and enhanced brand value.

The involvement of India in the net-zero aviation initiative is also likely to create new export prospects of renewable fuels and green technologies. This promotes the decarbonizing aviation roadmap of India, which has a goal of net zero aviation by 2050.

The Road Ahead

Meeting the targets of decarbonized aviation in India requires a plausible roadmap. Investments in the SAF manufacturing, the promotion of electric / hybrid aircraft, and the development of green airport infrastructure will help the country get closer to the sustainable skies. Enhancement of aviation policy, sustainability and coordination among all stakeholders will be crucial.

The process of green aviation in India is a long but a necessary process. To conquer green aviation problems India needs innovation, investment and policy alignment. The success of this transformation will not only be the future of the aviation industry in the country but also its role in creating a cleaner world.

FAQs

What is the current status of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption in India? 

The adoption of SAF in India remains in the pilot phase, with airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet carrying out test flights on blended fuels. Oil companies and the government are coming up with a national SAF policy to encourage mass production and commercial use.

What are the major challenges to implementing green aviation in India? 

The main challenges are the high prices of SAF, insufficient production facilities, the absence of regulatory requirements, and technological readiness of electric or hybrid aircraft. Co-ordination between airlines, airports and policymakers is also another challenge.

How can India achieve net zero in aviation by 2050?

India can attain net zero aviation by 2050 by scaling up production of SAFs, investing in green airport infrastructure, supporting electric/hybrid aircrafts and strong aviation sustainability policy with financial and regulatory incentives.