SOURCE: Airports Council International
February 13, 2025
BY Airports Council International
Key players in Europe’s aviation industry, including airlines, airports and manufacturers have outlined to EU policymakers seven critical measures to stimulate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in Europe and overcome the challenges facing the European SAF industry.
The measures are contained in a new report from global advisory firm ICF and should form part of a dedicated EU SAF industrial strategy. The European Commission’s planned Clean Industrial Deal and Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) are ideal opportunities to put the measures into practice.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The report, jointly commissioned by six industry bodies, highlights how current projections for SAF production in Europe fall short of ambitions and are made worse by industrial strategies in other countries, such as the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Chinese strategic investment, which have created an unequal marketplace.
If this trend continues, increasing quantities of SAF are likely to be imported to meet the EU’s mandates, undermining its attempts to attain energy independence. On top of this, consumers will end up bearing extra costs for more expensive SAF and an increasing share of jobs will be created in other countries, further undermining Europe’s competitiveness.
The report highlights that this negative projection for Europe is not guaranteed and a concerted policy push can boost SAF production in Europe. Amongst the recommendations are:
Advertisement
Advertisement
“Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) isn’t just the key to decarbonizing aviation in the short term, it’s an opportunity for Europe to establish itself as a global leader in a new form of energy. The competition is intense and the choice is clear. If policymakers step up and implement the measures in this report, Europe can lead the transition to decarbonized aviation, increase its energy independence and enhance its competitiveness. The Clean Industrial Deal and Sustainable Transport Investment Plan are ideal opportunities to get started,” the heads of association of A4E, ACI EUROPE, ARC, ASD, ERA and GAMA said.
The 2025 International Biomass Conference & Expo, held March 18-20 in Atlanta Georgia, featured of insightful discussions, cutting-edge technology showcases, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
Airbus is taking a significant step toward scaling the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by testing a new “Book and Claim” approach. This initiative aims to boost both supply and demand for SAF worldwide.
Signature Aviation, the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals, has announced the expansion of its blended SAF offering at six new locations across Europe following multiple blended SAF supply agreements.
Ash Creek Renewables, a portfolio company of Tailwater Capital LLC, on March 20 announced it has secured exclusive licensing rights from Montana State University for a new high-performance camelina seed variety.
The International Air Transport Association has enhanced its IATA CO2 Connect emissions calculator to account for carbon emissions reductions related to the usage of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).