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Knowledge Partnership: CBR and SAF Association Join Forces to Build India’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Ecosystem
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CBR Sustainability Partners becomes Knowledge Partner for Capacity Building of the SAF Association India
CBR Sustainability Partners has been appointed Knowledge Partner for Capacity Building by the SAF Association (SAFA), India’s leading industry body dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) ecosystem. The partnership was announced in New Delhi on 21 October 2026. It marks an important step towards accelerating the development of SAF in India.
India’s SAF journey is entering a defining phase. With indicative blending mandates of 1% by 2027 and 2% by 2028, the opportunity is immense. So is the need for structured, industry-grade capacity building and upskilling. Together, SAFA and CBR will build a robust SAF Capacity Building Program for India. The program will translate international benchmarks into practical, bankable solutions for the Indian market.
Complementary strengths: connecting global expertise with India’s industry needs
The partnership brings together the complementary strengths of both organisations:
- SAF Association works through industry collaboration, knowledge exchange, capacity building, research and policy engagement. Its aim is to accelerate the development and adoption of SAF and support India’s transition towards low-carbon aviation. SAFA contributes its institutional platform and stakeholder network. It continues to drive industry engagement, stakeholder collaboration and ecosystem development.
- CBR brings global expertise in SAF technology pathways, certification and sustainability consulting. CBR also has deep cross-border experience across the entire SAF value chain, from feedstock and technology selection to certification and bankability.
Together, the partners will support India’s producers, feedstock suppliers, farmers, financiers and policymakers. They will strengthen technical capabilities and promote internationally recognised sustainability and certification practices.
What the partnership will deliver
Through this partnership, SAFA and CBR will:
- Deliver a phased SAF Capacity Building Program. Three free SAF awareness webinars run from October to December 2026. From December 2026 onwards, they are followed by one of India’s first structured, industry-grade SAF certificate programs.
- Jointly develop a SAF Knowledge Vertical. It will include policy briefs, certification pathway guides, reports and case studies.
- Provide policy advisory and state-level SAF roadmaps to governments and PSUs. Between 10 and 15 states are targeted, starting with the most advanced.
- Deliver joint consulting on feedstock strategy, bankability documentation and sustainability certification across the SAF value chain.
- Pursue endorsements from regional and national authorities and agencies, as well as academic partnerships with national universities.
At a glance
- 3 free awareness webinars, October to December 2026
- 1st: among India’s first industry-grade SAF certificate programs, December 2026 onwards
- 10–15 states targeted for SAF policy roadmaps, starting with the most advanced states
- Building a farmer-inclusive SAF economy in India
India has abundant agricultural residues and a fast-growing aviation market. By combining global expertise with India’s industry requirements, the partnership aims to support a competitive, farmer-inclusive SAF industry. The goal is to turn agricultural residues into value and position India as a hub for SAF innovation, investment and sustainable growth.
A Partnership for India’s Sustainable Aviation Future
“India has a significant opportunity to emerge as a global leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The SAF Association is committed to building a robust, globally connected SAF ecosystem by bringing together industry, government, technology providers, investors, and international partners. Our partnership with CBR Sustainability Partners will strengthen technical capabilities, advance capacity building, and promote internationally recognised sustainability and certification practices. By combining global expertise with India’s industry requirements, we aim to accelerate SAF development, support aviation decarbonisation, and position India as a hub for SAF innovation, investment, and sustainable growth.”
“India’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel journey is entering a defining phase. With indicative blending mandates of 1% by 2027 and 2% by 2028, the opportunity ahead is immense — but so is the need for structured, industry-grade capacity building and upskilling. As SAF Association’s Knowledge Partner, CBR brings global expertise in SAF technology pathways, certification, and sustainability consulting to support India’s producers, feedstock suppliers, farmers, financiers and policymakers. In the spirit of India’s Panchamrit climate commitments and the belief that green growth is an opportunity, not an obligation, we are proud to support India’s pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat — helping transform abundant agricultural residues into a thriving, farmer-inclusive SAF economy.”
About SAF Association
SAF Association (SAFA) is India’s leading industry body dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel ecosystem. Through industry collaboration, knowledge exchange, capacity building, research and policy engagement, the Association works to accelerate the development and adoption of SAF. It supports India’s transition towards low-carbon aviation.
About CBR Sustainability Partners
CBR Sustainability Partners is an independent advisory firm based in Hamburg and Mannheim. The company supports industrial clients, technology providers, and public institutions in over 25 countries in developing and implementing sustainable energy solutions.
CBR’s interdisciplinary team combines deep technology, regulatory and market expertise – particularly in the areas of alternative fuels, raw materials, and carbon management.
