What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a revolutionary renewable jet fuel produced from sustainable feedstocks such as jatropha oil, used cooking oil, agricultural residues, and other bio-based materials. Unlike conventional jet fuel derived from petroleum, SAF offers a significantly lower carbon footprint while maintaining the same performance characteristics required for aviation.

SAF is certified under ASTM D7566 international standards and can be used as a direct "drop-in" replacement for conventional jet fuel. This means it requires absolutely no modifications to existing aircraft engines, fuel systems, or airport infrastructure. Currently, SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel at ratios up to 50%, with ongoing research pushing towards 100% SAF flights.

Jatropha-based SAF is produced through the HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) process, which converts plant oils into high-quality aviation fuel. This process removes oxygen from the oil molecules and saturates them with hydrogen, creating hydrocarbons chemically identical to those in conventional jet fuel.

Major airlines worldwide including United Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, and Emirates have already conducted successful flights using SAF blends. The aviation industry has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, making SAF a critical component of the industry's sustainability strategy.

Jatropha is particularly well-suited for SAF production because it grows on marginal land, doesn't compete with food crops, requires minimal water, and produces oil with ideal properties for aviation fuel conversion. One hectare of jatropha can produce enough oil to create approximately 1,500-2,000 liters of SAF annually.

Key Benefits of SAF
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel over its lifecycle
  • Drop-in fuel: No modifications required to aircraft or infrastructure
  • ASTM D7566 certified: Meets or exceeds all aviation fuel quality standards
  • Improved air quality: Reduces particulate matter and sulfur emissions
  • Energy security: Reduces dependence on fossil fuel imports
  • Supports rural development: Creates jobs in sustainable agriculture
SAF vs. Conventional Jet Fuel

SAF delivers the same energy density, combustion properties, and flight performance as conventional Jet A/Jet A-1 fuel. The key difference lies in its origin: while conventional jet fuel is extracted from crude oil, SAF is produced from renewable biological sources. This fundamental difference enables SAF to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 50-80%, contributing significantly to aviation's decarbonization goals without compromising safety or performance.