Europe Facing Challenges in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production: Calls for Strong Policy Support
Key Ideas
  • A coalition of aviation industry groups warns of a shortfall in sustainable aviation fuel in Europe, urging for policy support to boost local production and reduce dependence on costly imports.
  • The report by global consultancy ICF recommends risk-sharing mechanisms, grants, and priority access to fuel feedstocks to attract investments and ensure competitiveness in the EU's aviation sector.
  • Concerns include global market advancements in the US and China, shortage of feedstocks, slow support for new pathways, and potential reliance on imported SAF, impacting energy independence and competitiveness.
  • ICF forecasts significant growth in the SAF sector by 2030, creating jobs, reducing emissions, and highlighting the need for substantial investment to overcome technology challenges and feedstock access.
A coalition of six aviation industry groups in Europe has released a report warning about a potential shortfall in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and the increasing reliance on expensive imported supplies without strong policy support from the European Union (EU). The report, commissioned by leading aviation organizations, highlights barriers and opportunities for local SAF development. Recommendations include risk-sharing mechanisms, grants, and priority access to fuel feedstocks to attract private investments and reduce costs. The report also emphasizes the need for flexibility in current aviation mandates and emission trading system allowances to improve market efficiency and stability. The industry coalition expresses concerns about global advancements in SAF production in markets like the US and China, creating uneven competition for the EU. It also points out threats such as feedstock shortages, slow adoption of new SAF pathways, and rejection of certain fuel sources, potentially leading to increased reliance on imported SAF. ICF's forecasts for the SAF sector by 2030 suggest significant growth, with the potential to create jobs and reduce emissions. The report underlines the necessity of substantial investment to address technology challenges and ensure access to feedstocks. It urges EU policymakers to implement measures to support advanced SAF technologies and accelerate development to avoid over-reliance on specific pathways like HEFA. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of policymakers taking decisive action to support the EU's transition to decarbonized aviation, enhance energy independence, and strengthen competitiveness in the global market. Despite challenges, the report sees sustainable aviation fuel as an opportunity for Europe to establish itself as a leader in a new form of energy.
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