India Poised to Lead Global Green Aviation: World's Largest SAF Plant Coming to Andhra Pradesh!

Author

Akshat Lakshkar | Whalesbook News Team

Detailed Coverage:

TruAlt Bioenergy Limited, based in Bengaluru, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) to develop a major Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam–Vizianagaram region. This plant is set to be one of the largest globally, with an annual capacity of 80,000 tonnes per annum (TPA). The project represents a significant investment of Rs 2,250 crore and is anticipated to create substantial employment opportunities, with over 500 direct and nearly 2,000 indirect jobs.

The facility will employ the Alcohol-to-Jet Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (ATJ-SPK) pathway, a certified method under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) framework. This process converts sugar-based feedstock into ethanol, which is then upgraded into SAF. This technology enables TruAlt Bioenergy to produce low-emission, internationally certified SAF, leveraging India’s agricultural resources for a scalable and competitive supply chain.

**Impact** This initiative is a crucial step for India's clean energy transition and the aviation sector's decarbonization. It aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of air travel by enabling domestic production of SAF. This development will support India's net-zero ambitions, foster rural economic growth through feedstock procurement, and establish the country as a leader in the global sustainable aviation fuel market. The investment will also provide a considerable economic boost to Andhra Pradesh. Impact Rating: 8/10

**Difficult Terms** * **Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)**: A type of jet fuel derived from sustainable sources such as used cooking oil, agricultural waste, or dedicated energy crops, designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions in air travel. * **Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)**: A formal agreement between parties that outlines common intentions and a basis for future cooperation, often a precursor to a binding contract. * **Alcohol-to-Jet Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (ATJ-SPK)**: A specific, certified method for manufacturing SAF. It involves converting alcohols (like ethanol) into jet fuel. * **International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)**: A United Nations agency that sets international standards and regulations for air travel to ensure safety and efficiency. * **Low-carbon aviation**: Efforts and technologies focused on minimizing carbon emissions from air transport. * **Compressed Biogas (CBG)**: Purified biogas that is comparable to natural gas and derived from renewable organic matter, usable as a fuel. * **SATAT initiative**: A Government of India scheme (Sustainable Alternative Towards Transportation) promoting the production and use of Compressed Biogas (CBG). * **Net-zero ambitions**: A national or global objective to balance greenhouse gas emissions produced with those removed from the atmosphere, aiming for zero net emissions.