Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiatives and Investments Around the World
Key Ideas
- Saudi Arabia's Red Sea International Airport to receive sustainable aviation fuel made from used cooking oil, supporting a major tourism project and resort-based seaplane operation.
- United Airlines Ventures invests in direct air capture company Heirloom for carbon dioxide removal to produce sustainable aviation fuel.
- UK's Climate Change Committee foresees aviation becoming the highest emitting sector during 2038-2042, with plans for sustainable aviation fuel usage and carbon removals.
- European companies plan to produce synthetic aviation fuel using renewable power and green hydrogen, aiming for low-cost e-SAF production despite challenges.
GreenAir's roundup covers various sustainable aviation fuel initiatives and investments globally. In Saudi Arabia, Red Sea International Airport will be the first to receive sustainable aviation fuel made from used cooking oil, benefiting a major sustainable tourism project. United Airlines Ventures has invested in Heirloom, a direct air capture company for carbon dioxide removal, supporting the production of sustainable aviation fuel. The UK's Climate Change Committee predicts aviation to become the highest emitting sector during 2038-2042, proposing increased use of sustainable aviation fuels and carbon removals to reduce emissions. European companies are planning to produce e-SAF by combining renewable power with green hydrogen, aiming for cost-effective production despite challenges related to renewable energy costs. The International Civil Aviation Organization has established the Finvest Hub to connect aviation sustainability projects with investors worldwide, focusing on funding for sustainable aviation fuel production and decarbonization efforts. Additionally, a study by the International Council on Clean Transportation highlights stagnation in commercial aircraft efficiency due to a decline in new, more efficient aircraft certifications, urging ICAO to strengthen standards to meet net zero goals.