Research Projects

The project presents a comprehensive and innovative strategy to revolutionize Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production by integrating biomass feedstock conversion, carbon capture and utilization (CCU), and machine learning (ML) optimization into a unified framework. India’s agricultural sector, producing over 166 million tons of biomass annually, offers a significant opportunity to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by leveraging diverse feedstocks such as agricultural residues, used cooking oil, and municipal solid waste. Advanced conversion technologies, including Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA), Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FT), and alcohol-to-jet processes, enable scalable and efficient SAF production, with the potential to meet up to 10% of India’s aviation fuel demand by 2030. The integration of biomass-derived atmospheric CO₂ as a co-feedstock, contributes to a circular economy model that significantly reduces the carbon footprint of aviation. These efforts align with India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon intensity by 33–35% by 2030. The economic and social impact of this initiative is equally significant, with projections of contributing $2.8 billion to GDP and creating over 120,000 green jobs by 2030. Additionally, the approach supports waste management and pollution reduction goals in line with the Swachh Bharat Mission and Make in India initiatives. Advanced machine learning and deep learning systems further optimize the SAF production process by simulating reaction kinetics, enhancing catalyst design, and identifying ideal process parameters to increase fuel yields by 5–10%. Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) ensure environmental sustainability by identifying and mitigating inefficiencies or pollution hotspots. This project not only strengthens India’s aviation sector—projected to become the third-largest globally by 2025—but also sets a global benchmark for scalable, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable aviation fuel production. By harmonizing technological innovation, resource efficiency, and policy support, this initiative aligns with broader decarbonization goals and positions India as a leader in sustainable aviation.