Environment & Ecology
Context: As part of efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to fly an AN-32 transport aircraft modified to operate on 10% blended biodiesel for 200 flight hours in the next six months.
- The global aviation industry is one of the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases that cause global warming. The fuel consumption of the IAF for 2021-22 was 6.2 lakh kilo litres, which contributed 15 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide.
- On the civil aviation front, an official from aircraft manufacturer Airbus said it had plans to offer 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) compatibility on its commercial aircraft latest by 2030.
- The aircraft took flight on biodiesel blended with aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for the first time in December 2018.
- So far, an AN-32 has flown 65 hours with a 10% blend of biofuel and the performance has been very satisfactory.
- A second aircraft, a Dornier, was now undergoing ground tests after it had been cleared by the original manufacturer of the engine, Honeywell, for use of 50% biofuel.
MUST READ: Ethanol Blending
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Q.1) According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels?
- Cassava
- Damaged wheat grains
- Groundnut seeds
- Horse gram
- Rotten potatoes
- Sugar beet
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1, 2, 5 and 6 only
- 1, 3, 4 and 6 only
- 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
