The production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is expected to triple in 2024, compared with figures from last year.
This marks a significant step forward for the aviation sector. However, acceleration in production is needed for airlines to achieve their nett-zero carbon emission targets by 2050.
SAF PRODUCTION IN 2024
Earlier this month, IATA announced that SAF production in 2024 would rise to 1.5 million tonnes.
This is projected to account for 0.53% of aviation fuel needed.
“SAF will provide about 65% of the mitigation needed for airlines to achieve nett-zero carbon emissions by 2050. So the expected tripling of SAF production in 2024 from 2023 is encouraging. We still have a long way to go, but the direction of exponential increases is starting to come into focus,” IATA DG Willie Walsh said.
SAF PRODUCTION FACILITIES
Around 140 renewable fuel projects with the capability to produce SAF have been earmarked for completion.
It is expected that these will be in production globally by 2030.
If all these facilities are completed to production phase as planned, total renewable fuel production capacity could reach 51 million tonnes by 2030, spread across almost all regions.
GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION
However, Walsh said that there is a pressing need for governments to apply policy measures to fast-track production of SAF.
“The interest in SAF is growing and there is plenty of potential. But the concrete plans that we have seen are far from sufficient. Governments have set clear expectations for aviation to achieve…they now need to implement policies to ensure that airlines can actually purchase SAF in the required quantities,” said Walsh.
A recent survey conducted by IATA revealed that 86% of travellers thought that governments should provide incentives for airlines to use SAF.
In addition, 86% of passengers want leading oil corporations to prioritise the production of SAF.
SAF MANDATES
Some governments are in the process of setting mandates requiring airlines to purchase SAF when flying from their territories.
The United Kingdom (UK) intends to force airlines to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) when flying from that country, starting next year.
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PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE
Currently, SAF is available in small quantities and at high costs.
The challenge for producers is to ramp up production efficiently with diverse feedstocks and production methods.
If SAF producers are not able to meet demand, airlines will not be able to adhere to mandates.
And, this begs the question of whether mechanisms are in place to protect airlines from penalties due to non-compliance.
