Honeywell Sees Pathway for India to Boost Sustainable Aviation Fuel Output

India can increase its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production by integrating new technologies into existing refinery infrastructure, according to US multinational Honeywell. This approach could allow initial volumes of SAF to come online without waiting for large standalone plants to be completed.

Honeywell said that hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) are expected to remain the leading technology in the early stages of SAF production in India. These materials have physical and processing characteristics relatively close to jet fuel, making it easier to integrate with existing refinery and logistics infrastructure.

The company also highlighted India's potential to use a wider range of agricultural feedstocks for SAF production. The country's ethanol and biomass resources could support alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) and biocrude pathways, while agricultural residues could provide another source of feedstock.