The aviation industry’s net-zero carbon emissions target is focused on delivering maximum reduction in emissions at source, through the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), innovative new propulsion technologies, and other efficiency improvements (such as improvements to air traffic navigation). We estimate that SAF could contribute around 65% of the reduction in emissions needed by aviation to reach net-zero in 2050. This will require a massive increase in production in order to meet demand. The largest acceleration is expected in the 2030s as policy support becomes global, SAF becomes competitive with fossil kerosene, and credible offsets become scarcer.

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What is SAF?

SAF is an umbrella term referring to fuels derived from non-fossil sources or ‘feedstock’, where through its process of cultivation and production, works to close the carbon cycle and resultantly achieve a significant reduction in life-cycle emissions relative to traditional jet fuel. Beyond reducing significant CO2 emission levels across its life cycle, SAF by design seeks to ensure a high level of integrity in broader sustainability criteria. This includes feedstock that do not cannibalize food production, utilize excess water, promote incremental land clearing or negative impact on the likes of soil fertility, deforestation and biodiversity. Whereas fossil fuels add to the overall level of CO2 by emitting carbon that had been previously locked away, SAF recycles the CO2 which has been absorbed by the biomass used in the feedstock during the course of its life.

 

 

As it stands, there are seven biofuel production pathways that are certified to produce SAF, which perform at operationally equivalent levels to Jet A1 fuel. By design, these SAFs are drop-in solutions, which can be directly blended into existing fuel infrastructure at airports and are fully compatible with modern aircraft.

For more information, read the SAF Factsheet

  • Over 450,000 flights have taken to the skies using SAF
  • 7 technical pathways exist
  • Over 300 million litres of SAF were produced in 2022 
  • SAF can reduce emissions by up to 80% during its full lifecycle
  • Around 17 billion US dollars of SAF are in forward purchase agreements in 2022
  • More than 50 airlines now have experience with SAF

Our vision

  • Support the aviation industry long-term climate goal
  • Increase the commercial deployment of SAF

Our focus

  • Engage with a wide range of industry and policy stakeholders on all SAF topics and facilitate cooperation and promote partnerships between them
  • Provide policy support at national, regional (e.g. EU) and international (UN) level to create the necessary framework for the commercialization of SAF
  • Work towards removing barriers to the realization of a cost-competitive SAF market
  • Promote the global harmonization of sustainability criteria for SAF
  • Educate and support producers on the technical certification process (i.e ASTM D1655 certification)
  • Establish forums for knowledge exchange and business networking opportunities for suppliers and consumers of SAF (e.g. Sustainable Aviation Fuel Symposium)

Do you want to learn more? Attend one of our training courses, online or classroom

 

We also offer tailored workshops and consulting services to help industry and government stakeholders use SAF to its full potential.

In the media

Background

SAF fact sheet (pdf)

Energy Transition & Sustainable Aviation Fuel (pdf) (Presentation - December 2022)