Congress criticizes ethanol use in aircraft fuel, raising safety concerns
The Congress party criticized the government's alleged permission for ethanol use in aviation turbine fuel (ATF), citing potential safety risks. They argued that ethanol is less energy dense than ATF, requiring more fuel and impacting passenger capacity and efficiency. Concerns were also raised about ethanol absorbing moisture, potentially freezing at high altitudes, and clogging fuel lines. The Petroleum Ministry's notification expanded ATF definition to include "synthesised hydrocarbons," opening doors for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) pathways, which can use ethanol as a feedstock after complex chemical conversion, not direct blending, a process internationally approved and already used in commercial flights.
Key Points
- Congress criticized the government's move to allow ethanol use in aviation turbine fuel (ATF), citing safety concerns.
- Concerns include ethanol's lower energy density, potential for freezing at high altitudes, and clogging fuel lines.
- The Petroleum Ministry's notification expanded ATF definition to include "synthesised hydrocarbons," enabling Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
- Ethanol can be used as a feedstock for SAF through complex chemical conversion, not direct blending, which is internationally approved.
- India aims for 1% SAF for international flights by 2027 to achieve a net-zero goal for aviation by 2050.
Exam Facts
- Government body: Petroleum Ministry
- International Aviation Organization: International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
- India's SAF target: 1% for international flights by 2027
- India's net-zero goal for aviation: 2050
- Fuel types: Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), E20 fuel (gasoline blend)
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