SAF Association Calls for Using Used Cooking Oil to Produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Why It Matters

UCO offers a fast‑deployable, low‑carbon feedstock that can help India meet its SAF blending targets and cut aviation‑related emissions while unlocking significant economic value.

Key Takeaways

• 15% UCO collection yields 1.36 Mt SAF annually.
• India's SAF demand 0.8 Mt by 2030.
• Current UCO recovery only 6% of available oil.
• SAF blending targets: 1% by 2027, 5% by 2030.
• Potential $40‑50 bn annual value by 2050.

Pulse Analysis

Aviation accounts for roughly 2‑3% of global greenhouse‑gas emissions, prompting regulators worldwide to seek low‑carbon alternatives. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as the most viable solution, and among its feedstocks, used cooking oil (UCO) stands out for its rapid scalability and existing supply chain. Converting waste lipids into jet‑grade fuel not only diverts a pollutant from landfills but also reduces lifecycle carbon intensity, making UCO‑derived SAF a compelling option for airlines aiming to meet tightening emissions standards.

India’s SAF roadmap envisions a gradual increase to 5% blending by 2030, yet the country currently recovers only about 6% of its estimated UCO volume. SAFA’s recommendation to implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes and strengthen collection infrastructure across commercial kitchens could boost recovery to 15%, unlocking 1.36 million tonnes of SAF each year—more than the nation’s projected demand. By aligning policy incentives with industry participation, the government can accelerate feedstock availability, lower production costs, and create a reliable domestic supply chain that reduces reliance on imported SAF.

Looking ahead, the long‑term economic upside is substantial. Projections suggest India could become a regional SAF hub, producing up to 40 million tonnes annually by 2050 and generating $40‑50 billion in yearly revenue. This aligns with global forecasts of a $402 billion SAF market by mid‑century. Realizing this potential will require coordinated investment in conversion technologies, research into alternative pathways, and supportive regulatory frameworks. As airlines worldwide commit to net‑zero targets, India’s UCO‑based SAF strategy positions it to capture a significant share of the emerging clean‑fuel economy.