Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), India’s largest state-run refiner, is set to transform aviation with an innovative project—producing jet fuel from recycled cooking oil at its Panipat refinery. With this step, IndianOil has become the first company in India to receive global certification for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production using used cooking oil.
Certification and Production Goals
- Global Certification: The Panipat refinery has secured the prestigious ISCC CORSIA certification, a standard recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
- Production Target: IOC aims to produce 35,000 tonnes per year of SAF by December 2025, scaling up to 30–35,000 tonnes annually in early 2026.
- Feedstock Source: The SAF will be made from used cooking oil collected from large restaurants, hotels, and food chains.
This certification puts IndianOil in a leadership position for clean aviation fuels in Asia.
Why SAF from Recycled Cooking Oil Matters
- Huge Carbon Savings: SAF can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
- Engine Compatibility: SAF works with existing jet engines, meaning no costly changes are required for airlines.
- National Targets: India plans to mandate 1% SAF blending for international flights by 2027, rising to 2% by 2028. This move directly supports that goal.
- Circular Economy: Recycling cooking oil prevents waste, reduces environmental hazards, and supports sustainable energy systems.
Challenges Ahead
- Feedstock Collection: While big restaurant chains supply large volumes of used cooking oil, collecting smaller quantities from homes and small eateries remains difficult.
- Scaling Production: Meeting rising SAF demand will require efficient logistics, greater investment, and stronger government policies.
IndianOil’s Larger Green Energy Push
This SAF initiative is just one part of IndianOil’s broader sustainability roadmap:
- A ₹5,000 crore Butyl Acrylate plant in Gujarat to cut dependence on imports for the paints industry.
- A 10,000 tonnes-per-year green hydrogen plant at Panipat, in partnership with L&T, as part of India’s push toward 70,000 tonnes annual green hydrogen capacity by 2030.
These investments highlight IndianOil’s commitment to reducing fossil fuel dependence and boosting India’s renewable energy portfolio.
Key Highlights at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified SAF Producer | IndianOil Panipat Refinery |
| Feedstock | Used cooking oil from restaurants, hotels, food chains |
| Production Capacity | 30–35,000 tonnes per year (by 2025–26) |
| Carbon Savings | Up to 80% lower emissions vs. traditional jet fuel |
| SAF Mandates | 1% blending (2027), 2% (2028) |
| Other Green Projects | Butyl Acrylate unit, green hydrogen plants |
Final Thoughts
IndianOil’s plan to make jet fuel from recycled cooking oil is a revolutionary step for India’s aviation and energy industries. With global certification, ambitious production targets, and government backing, this innovation could reshape how flights are powered in the coming decade.
