2025
Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Report
Introduction
02 | Introduction to SAF
Aviation is a cornerstone of the global economy, facilitating trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. However, it is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 2-3% of global CO2 emissions. As the demand for air travel continues to grow, the environmental impact of aviation is becoming increasingly scrutinised. This has spurred the search for avenues to make air travel more environmentally friendly. With over 99% of the CO2 emission coming from fuel burnt during flight operations this had led to the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs).
SAFs represent a pivotal innovation in the aviation industry, offering a potential pathway to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. These fuels are derived from renewable resources and waste materials, providing a more sustainable option compared to traditional fossil-based aviation fuels. SAFs can reduce life-cycle GHG emissions by up to 80%, providing a substantial opportunity to mitigate the environmental impact of air travel. International agreements such as the Paris Agreement set ambitious targets for carbon reduction, putting the aviation industry under pressure to innovate and adopt cleaner technologies. SAFs play a crucial role in this context due to several key reasons:
Emission Reductions: SAFs have the potential to reduce life-cycle GHG emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuels. This significant reduction is achieved through the use of renewable feedstocks and advanced production technologies that minimize carbon emissions during the fuel’s lifecycle.
Economic Benefits: The development and deployment of SAFs can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and foster technological innovation. Investing in SAF production infrastructure and research can also position countries as leaders in the emerging green aviation sector.
Compliance with Regulations: As environmental regulations become stricter, SAFs provide a viable solution for airlines to meet emissions targets and avoid penalties. This is particularly relevant in regions with stringent carbon reduction mandates and aviation emissions trading schemes.
Despite the promising potential of SAFs the industry is still very much in its nascent stages, with several challenges that must be addressed to achieve widespread adoption:
Cost: SAFs are currently more expensive to produce than conventional jet fuels, primarily due to the high costs of feedstocks and production technologies.
Feedstock Availability: Ensuring a sustainable and scalable supply of feedstocks is critical. Competition with food production and land use constraints are potential issues. Regulatory and Policy Support: Strong regulatory frameworks and incentives are needed to support the development and commercialization of SAFs. This includes subsidies, tax credits, and mandates for SAF blending.
Technological Advancements: Continued research and development (R&D) are essential to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of SAF production technologies.
Industry Collaboration: Collaboration across the aviation industry, including airlines, fuel producers, and governments, is crucial to overcoming these challenges and achieving large-scale SAF adoption.
SAFs represent a vital innovation in the quest to make air travel more sustainable. By leveraging renewable resources and advanced technologies, SAFs offer a viable path to reducing the environmental impact of aviation. While significant challenges remain, continued investment in SAF development, supportive policies, and industry collaboration will be key to unlocking their full potential. As the aviation industry navigates the transition to a more sustainable future, SAFs will undoubtedly play a central role in achieving its environmental and economic goals.