India’s first used-cooking-oil SAF plant at IOC Panipat
Why in the news
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is readying India’s first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant at its Panipat refinery in Haryana, using used cooking oil (UCO) as feedstock. Commercial production is expected by December 2025.
Key facts
- Capacity: 35,000 tonnes a year by the end of 2025.
- Feedstock: used cooking oil from hotels, restaurants and food businesses.
- Certification: ISCC CORSIA, linked to ICAO’s international aviation carbon scheme.
- Emissions: lifecycle carbon emissions cut by up to 80% compared with conventional jet fuel.
- Cost: SAF is nearly three times costlier than regular jet fuel.
- Blending: aircraft makers approve blends of up to 50% SAF.
Blending roadmap
| Year | Target for international flights |
|---|---|
| 2027 | 1% SAF |
| 2028 | 2% SAF |
About the project
IOC is also working on alcohol-to-jet technology using ethanol. Europe-bound airlines, which face EU blending mandates, are a likely market. Reports also say IOC signed an MoU with Air India for SAF supply.
Exam angle
- Remember IOC, Panipat, UCO, 35,000 tonnes.
- The certification is ISCC CORSIA.
- Key number: up to 80% lower lifecycle emissions.