The announcement that the Panipat Refinery has secured the country’s first International Sustainability and Carbon Certification under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation marks a defining moment for India’s journey toward cleaner skies. This achievement is not just a technical certification; it represents a new capability for India to produce, certify, and distribute Sustainable Aviation Fuel at a globally recognised standard.
In the evolving aviation landscape, the ability to integrate certified SAF into airline operations is a crucial step toward meeting international climate commitments and enabling greener air travel for the future.
Understanding the ISCC CORSIA Certification
The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification, developed under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, is recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation as the benchmark for sustainable fuel standards. This certification confirms that the SAF meets rigorous criteria for lifecycle carbon emissions, sustainability practices, and traceability from source to delivery.
Obtaining such a certification involves stringent assessment processes, ensuring that the production of SAF contributes meaningfully to reducing aviation’s environmental footprint. For India, having a refinery certified to this level means local airlines can now access domestically produced SAF that meets international requirements.
Significance for India’s Aviation Industry
Until now, India’s aviation sector faced limitations in sourcing certified SAF, often relying on imports or pilot-scale projects. The certification for the Panipat Refinery changes this dynamic entirely. It paves the way for integrating larger volumes of SAF into domestic airline operations, aligning with global decarbonisation trends and the country’s net-zero vision for 2070.
This step also enhances India’s credibility in international aviation forums, where SAF adoption is seen as a critical pathway to reducing carbon intensity in long-haul flights. The availability of certified SAF from within the country reduces dependence on foreign supply chains and supports cost competitiveness over time.
The Role of Collaborative Governance
The journey to this certification was made possible through the coordination of multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies. The involvement of the international certifying agency Cotecna brought external validation, reinforcing the credibility of the process.
Such a coordinated governance model demonstrates that large-scale sustainability transitions in aviation are achievable when regulatory, technical, and industry stakeholders work together toward shared goals.
Creating a Ripple Effect Across the Energy Sector
While the immediate benefit lies in enabling SAF use in aviation, the achievement also signals a broader shift in India’s energy sector. By establishing a domestic capability for producing internationally certified sustainable fuels, the groundwork is laid for other refineries to follow suit.
This ripple effect could extend beyond aviation into maritime and heavy transport sectors, where similar sustainability certifications may become critical in meeting both domestic regulations and international trade requirements. The infrastructure, processes, and expertise developed here will serve as a reference point for future projects.
Lessons from Ethanol Blending Success
India’s progress in ethanol blending offers valuable context for this achievement. From just 1.53 per cent blending in 2014 to 10 per cent by 2022 — achieved ahead of schedule — the country has shown that ambitious targets can be met through strong policy support, coordinated execution, and industry readiness.
The advancement of the E20 blending target from 2030 to 2025, and its achievement within the current supply year, illustrates how setting accelerated goals can catalyse industry action. SAF adoption can follow a similar trajectory if backed by a clear roadmap and robust demand signals from airlines.
The Opportunity for Airlines and Passengers
For airlines, integrating SAF is no longer just about environmental responsibility; it is also about future compliance and competitive advantage. As global aviation regulations evolve, carriers with early access to certified SAF will be better positioned to meet carbon reduction mandates and appeal to eco-conscious travellers.
From a passenger perspective, the availability of certified SAF offers a tangible way to support greener travel choices. Awareness campaigns and transparent communication about SAF use could further strengthen consumer confidence in the aviation industry’s climate commitments.
Building a Future-Ready Supply Chain
The Panipat milestone is a starting point, not an endpoint. To make SAF a standard part of airline fuel supply, India will need to focus on scaling production, enhancing distribution infrastructure, and ensuring consistent quality standards. This requires investment in refining technology, supply chain resilience, and collaboration with both domestic and international airlines.
A strong SAF supply chain will also depend on securing sustainable feedstock sources, optimising production costs, and fostering innovation in fuel conversion technologies.
Positioning India in the Global SAF Market
With this certification, India steps into the global conversation on sustainable aviation not as an observer, but as a participant with proven capabilities. Over time, the country could explore opportunities to export certified SAF, positioning itself as a strategic supplier in Asia’s rapidly growing aviation market.
Such positioning would bring both economic and environmental dividends, contributing to job creation, technology exchange, and the country’s broader decarbonisation agenda.
Conclusion
The certification of the Panipat Refinery under the ISCC CORSIA framework is a breakthrough moment for India’s aviation sector and its sustainability ambitions. It demonstrates that with the right mix of policy direction, industry capability, and global collaboration, the transition to low-carbon aviation is within reach.
The challenge now lies in scaling production, integrating SAF into airline operations, and building public awareness of its benefits. If these steps are taken with the same coordinated approach that led to this achievement, India could become a leader in sustainable aviation in the years ahead, setting an example for other emerging economies aiming to balance growth with environmental responsibility.
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