Latest news with #MarieOwensThomsen
Business Upturn
6 hours ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Praj, IATA, and ISMA Join Forces to Advance SAF Carbon Assessment and Certification in India
Pune, Maharashtra, India: India is taking decisive steps toward decarbonizing its aviation sector, with a SAF blending mandate targeting 1% by 2027 and 2% by 2028. In line with this national goal, Praj Industries, International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive the certification and adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the country. The partnership will focus on conducting a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of SAF derived from Indian sugarcane feedstock via the Ethanol-to-Jet (ETJ) pathway—a critical milestone in demonstrating the environmental and economic viability of indigenous SAF solutions. The MoU underscores the participants' shared commitment to sustainability and to reducing emissions in aviation—one of the world's most challenging sectors to decarbonize. Through this partnership, Praj, IATA, and ISMA aim to determine an accurate Carbon Intensity (CI) number for SAF produced using Indian sugarcane. CI measures the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced per unit of energy generated (usually expressed in gCO₂e/MJ). This key metric for SAF determines how much cleaner the fuel is compared to conventional jet fuel. As part of the collaboration, the three participants will also work together to define and recommend a certification methodology suited to the Indian context. This framework will align with internationally recognized sustainability and emissions reduction standards, specifically the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) CORSIA and the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) CORSIA standard. 'India has immense potential to become a key player in sustainable aviation fuel. This collaboration leverages scientific rigor and global frameworks to ensure our SAF solutions meet the highest standards,' asserted Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj Industries. Praj Industries has been actively advancing the development and commercialization of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in India. In collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) and AirAsia India, Praj successfully produced SAF from indigenous feedstock, showcasing its readiness for commercial deployment. Further strengthening its position, Praj's R&D facility, Praj Matrix, in Pune houses India's first integrated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) demonstration plant. 'Measurements and certifications are key building blocks in any market. Developing the SAF market in India will be accelerated and its global acceptance will be facilitated by progress in these areas that is tailored to Indian conditions. Through this MoU, we aim to ensure that SAF from India can contribute to the height of its full potential to global decarbonization goals,' said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA SVP Sustainability and Chief Economist. 'India's record success globally via GOI's Ethanol Blending Programme has showcased the sugar industry's immense potential, and one of the best possible demonstrations of our capacity will be to become the single largest supplier of one of Asia's lowest carbon-intensive NextGen biofuels like SAF—ensuring a truly just energy transition,' said Deepak Ballani, Director General of ISMA. This landmark collaboration highlights India's commitment to pioneering sustainable aviation and lays a strong foundation for a low-carbon future, driving innovation and environmental stewardship in the global aviation sector. At the 81st IATA AGM, PM Shri. Narendra Modi highlighted India's push for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to reduce emissions and promote green growth. He urged global collaboration and emphasized India's commitment to eco-friendly aviation infrastructure. In the photograph from left to right: Mr. Roshan Lal Tamak, Executive Director & CEO – Sugar Business DCM Shriram Ltd. (designated ISMA representative); Ms. Marie Owens Thomsen, SVP Sustainability and Chief Economist, IATA, and Mr. Atul Mulay, President – Bioenergy, Praj Industries. About Praj Industries Limited Advertisement Praj, India's most accomplished industrial biotech company, is driven by innovation, integration, and delivery capabilities. Over the past four decades, Praj has focused on environment, energy, and agri‐process industry, with more than 1000 customer references spanning more than 100 countries across six continents. Bio‐Mobility® and Bio‐Prism® are the mainstays of Praj's contribution to the global Bioeconomy. The Bio‐Mobility® platform offers technology solutions globally to produce the renewable transportation fuel, thus ensuring sustainable decarbonization through a circular bioeconomy. The Company's Bio‐Prism® portfolio comprises technologies to produce renewable chemicals and materials, promises sustainability while reimagining nature. Praj Matrix, the state‐of‐the‐art R&D facility, forms the backbone for the company's endeavours towards a clean energy‐based Bioeconomy. Praj's diverse portfolio comprises Bio‐energy solutions, Critical process equipment & skids, Breweries, Zero liquid discharge systems and High purity water systems. Led by accomplished and caring leadership, Praj is a socially responsible corporate citizen. Praj is listed on the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges of India. Click here for Media Contact Details Priyanka Watane (Chief Manager, Corporate Communications), Praj Industries, [email protected], +91-2066754000 Submit your press release Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Airlines' climate goals at risk as support for fossil fuels grows
The aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Air travel accounts for about 2.5 to 3 percent of global carbon emissions, and while airlines are investing in cleaner technology, their main hope lies in using more Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The airline industry's plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is under threat due to a global shift towards fossil fuel-friendly policies, according to a major aviation group. Speaking at an annual industry meeting in India on Sunday, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that climate progress could slow down significantly. Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA's top sustainability official, pointed to leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump, whose policies promote oil and gas over renewable energy. 'The return of leaders who support fossil fuels and roll back climate regulations is clearly a setback,' said Owens Thomsen. 'It puts the 2050 goal in danger.' Even so, she believes the industry will continue to move towards greener practices, just more slowly. 'It's not going to stop us, but it will delay progress,' she added. The aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact. Air travel accounts for about 2.5 to 3 percent of global carbon emissions, and while airlines are investing in cleaner technology, their main hope lies in using more Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). SAF is a type of fuel made from renewable sources like used cooking oil and animal fats. It emits significantly less carbon than traditional jet fuel, but it comes at a steep cost—three to four times more expensive than conventional fuel. Efforts are being made to increase SAF use. In the European Union, airlines are now required to include at least two percent SAF in their fuel mix. That number is set to rise to six percent by 2030 and 70 percent by 2050. Still, current production levels are far below what's needed. IATA estimates that global SAF production will reach 2.5 billion litres in 2025 — double last year's output, but only about 0.7 percent of what the industry uses in total. President Trump's administration, now in its second term, has shifted away from supporting clean aviation fuels. Under former President Joe Biden, U.S. policies had offered strong incentives for SAF development through tax credits and government funding. Trump's renewed focus on oil and gas marks a reversal, creating uncertainty for airlines and fuel producers alike. The UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) set the 2050 net-zero target, with broad global support. But if political winds continue to shift away from climate action, experts fear the goal may no longer be realistic. IATA says it will continue pushing for progress, even in a tougher political environment. 'This is a long-term challenge,' said Director General Willie Walsh. 'We can't afford to slow down — but right now, that's exactly what's happening.'
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Airlines need to look at other options to make money: IATA chief economist
NEW DELHI: Airlines need to come out of their core business and look at other options to boost revenue, said the Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Economist at International Air Transport Association (IATA) Marie Owens Thomsen. The global aviation industry earned a total profit of 36 billion dollars in 2024, translating to a modest margin of just 3.7%, according to senior economist and Vice President Thomsen, who addressed presspersons on Monday. She described aviation as a 'capital-intensive and complex endeavour,' heavily reliant on passenger revenue, which accounts for over 70% of the sector's earnings. Speaking about rising operational costs, Thomsen noted that fuel alone makes up 26% of the industry's total expenditure. 'In 2025, every passenger flying contributed an average of 7.2 billion dollars in earnings to the aviation sector. In contrast, a passenger in the Middle East brought in 27.2 billion dollars, while in Africa it was just 1.3 billion dollars,' she said, attributing the Middle East's high figure to significant investments in infrastructure. Thomsen suggested that airlines could explore alternatives like manufacturing their own fuel internally, particularly Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), to ease dependency and reduce long-term fuel costs. Supply chain disruptions remain a major challenge, she pointed out. 'The industry is severely impacted by delays, especially when it comes to the delivery of regional jets and turbojets,' she said, adding that long waiting periods for aircraft are impeding fleet expansions and operations. On the question of airfares, Thomsen remarked that fares have been on a consistent downward trend since the industry's early years. 'This decline is likely to continue, thanks in part to the reduction in fuel costs,' she said.
Travel Weekly
2 days ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
IATA says turbulence in global economy won't have major impact on airlines
NEW DELHI, India -- Global financial uncertainty will have only a mild impact on 2025 airline performance, according to a newly released IATA forecast. The trade group now projects global airline revenues of $979 billion this year, down from its forecast in December that the industry would realize revenue of $1 trillion for the first time. • Related: IATA industry forecast for 2024 But revenue reductions will be almost entirely made up for by lower-than-projected fuel costs. IATA now expects a global fuel bill of $236 billion for airlines in 2025, with average jet fuel prices of $86 per barrel. That compares to an average per-barrel cost of $99 in 2024 and industrywide fuel costs of $261 billion. Overall, IATA now projects industry 2025 net profits of $36 billion, only slightly down from its December projection of $36.6 billion. Speaking here at the IATA Annual General meeting on June 2, the trade group's chief economist, Marie Owens Thomsen, explained that IATA's projection assumes global GDP will grow 2.5% in 2025, down from 3.3% growth last year. The trade group is assuming a slow U.S. growth rate of 1.5%. IATA does not expect a global recession, in part because of the positive macro impact of cheap fuel and in-part because Trump administration tariffs only impact the manufacturing sector and not the servicing sector, which represents more than half of the global economy. Tariffs' long-term impact Still, Thomsen said that increases in tariffs and trade barriers will have a long-term downward impact on global flight demand. U.S. tariffs are currently at their highest level since the 1930s. "Tariffs are a tax, and anything that you tax will shrink," she said. The more immediate impact of tariffs, though, could be on aircraft production costs, since suppliers Airbus, Boeing and others source parts for any particular plane from all over the world. IATA director general Willie Walsh called for aircraft and engine parts to be exempted from all global tariffs. He also said airlines would resist cost increases for aircraft unless suppliers can demonstrate justification. "We don't want to see any of the manufacturers, any of the suppliers using tariffs as an excuse or an opportunity to increase their prices to the industry," he said.
Arab News
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Co-processing can help Middle East become sustainable aviation fuel hub: IATA official
NEW DELHI: The Middle East has all the potential to emerge as a global hub for sustainable aviation fuel production thanks to co-processing opportunities available in the region, according to a top official. Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association's Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, Marie Owens Thomsen, senior vice president of sustainability and chief economist at IATA, said that the world should act now to increase the production of SAF to meet decarbonization targets. This comes as the region accelerates efforts to produce the fuel, with Saudi Arabia's Nordic Electrofuel-backed project announcing in January a Jubail plant targeting 350 million liters annually by 2029, using renewable hydrogen and solar PV. The UAE, meanwhile, aims for 700 million liters by 2031, supported by Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia. Emirates has secured over 3 million gallons from Neste for 2024–25 flights, while Shell began supplying SAF at Dubai Airport in 2023. In her interview, Thomsen said: 'The Middle East has huge opportunities for co-processing. What we are seeing across the world is insufficient production of SAF.' Co-processing is the use of renewable feedstock in conventional fossil fuel units. This method allows existing traditional fuel refineries to seamlessly integrate renewable feedstocks into their production processes without the need for extensive infrastructural changes. She added: 'If this co-processing happens, then boom — we have a SAF plant. Clearly, the Middle East is uniquely positioned for this.' Thomsen further said that governments in the Middle East region should create investment policies in such a way that oil producers will be more attracted to co-processing. The use of SAF is widely considered a crucial development for the global aviation industry, as most countries have stipulated targets to achieve net zero as part of their energy transition efforts. According to Thomsen, the world, on its current trajectory, is expected to produce 400 million tonnes of SAF by 2050, up from an estimated 2 million tonnes in 2025 and 1 million tonnes in 2024. Amid this projected growth, Thomsen revealed that the world would require at least 500 million tonnes of SAF by 2050 to meet energy transition and sustainability goals. 'On the current trajectory, we will be a 100 million tonnes short in 2050. That is a dramatic shortfall. If we do not address it today, this shortfall may be even greater by the time we reach 2050,' said Thomsen. She said this presents a challenge and dilemma because as long as jet engines power our flights, liquid fuels remain essential. 'Again, I repeat, the Middle East is uniquely positioned to help the world take a big step forward if we could immediately co-process. There are also lower-carbon fuels which occur naturally in the Middle East, which the world should explore,' she added. Thomsen revealed that the aviation industry's net profit margin is lower compared to other sectors, and expenses could rise as SAF gains. However, she made it clear that effective ways should be adopted to increase the production of the fuel, so that the energy transition targets could be achieved by 2050. On the opening day of the AGM, Willie Walsh, director general of IATA, also shared identical views, and said that sufficient government measures, including the implementation of effective policies, are needed to achieve decarbonization targets. He added that ensuring the success of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation is crucial to offsetting carbon emissions in the aviation sector. Under CORSIA, an initiative launched by the International Civil Aviation Organization, airplane operators must purchase and cancel 'emissions units' to offset the increase in CO2 emissions.
